This Duo from California returns with their "Satanic" doo-wop. The band claimed their debut album that dropped back in 2019 was recorded in a day and a half , live with only two or three takes. If that is case then this album only took half a day. There is a rawer sound to what unfolds here, though more orchestration, and arrangements that recall Phil Spector's "wall of sound". They are true to the era they are paying homage to, The way they nailed the sound this time with the lo-fi production that still allows the vocals to stand out, takes the sting out of the lyrics, as this could fit on a Sirrus radio oldies station and almost go unnoticed.
There is more of a Halloween like tango to the swagger of "Lets Have a Satanic Orgy". It struts like a sexier version of the monster mash. The guitar playing on this one is pretty note worthy as well. "Two Sinners" borrows a great deal from the Everly Brothers ' "(Till) I Kissed Ya" , but kids these days lack the musical history to dig back to that. "Black Magick" does not take so directly, but still pays heavy tribute to artists of this era, without borrowing from anyone specific. Though at this point in the album they begin to feel a little like a cover band.
"Spellbreaker" is more like the songs from the first album, with more of an Amy Winehouse feel, added are "Leader of the Pack" like backing vocals. You hear her belt it out from her guts and but a bit of grit to her voice on this one. "Be Slut" is pretty much poodle skirt era rock n roll. While her voice is soulful enough , I don't feel there is anything to the melodies that is a riff off something else, and sax solo feels cut and pasted. The title track works better, sure it's a typical pop ballad from the 50's but it works well, and gives her voice more to work with. The dirtier production works well this time around and despite not being the most original thing I have heard, it's executed in a manner that is convincing enough to win me over despite this so I will give the album a 9.
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