Hand of Juno : "Psychotic Banana"

 

This band from Italy features the bassist from Infected Rain and fancies themselves industrial, which might be an influence but they feel more like electro-pop. It's similar to what Poppy does or certain eras of In This Moment. At their most aggressive on "We Built the Line," they are like a more nu-metal version of the Nighwish-styled European bands. The vocals do not soar as high, but there is a romantic element that will appeal to teenage girls. I think "Right Now" is more original sounding and the use of effects on her voice, takes some of the candy coating off. She is a good enough singer, but the sweetness in her voice plays against the aggressive sound they are going for. I think they would be more effective if they did not resist the pop side. 

"Destroy the Line" finds them racing down the middle land behind Jinjer and Spiritbox, as their singer employs harsher vocals. The video, and I keep watching the videos when possible as they are more entertaining with the visual element, show them as a trio, which means more studio tricks are involved, though I need to check out a live video to see how this is pulled off on stage, Hold on I'll get back to you and let you know. Ok, I'm back live they added a bass player. Now moving on to "Not a Game", it works better than the previous song, as we do not need more bands trying to be Spiritbox, they already have that covered, so here is hoping they find their own place.

 The answer is sort of on this song, pretty close to what Infected Rain does just not as progressive. Would be more inclined to think of this band as nu-metal. I wish things would move in the darker direction like they want to on " The One." It leans more toward pop and is one of the album's best songs. The video for the title track might eclipse the song, which speeds up into a chaotic chorus that does not make as much sense and feels forced. "Poline" is the first song that feels industrial.  There is a trade-off between harsher vocals and her singing. I like that is moves in a darker direction. "Hug My Death" paints a picture of what they are like as a fully formed band.  This is in a more metal direction. The album closes with a power ballad. of sorts.  I will give this an 8.5, highly entertaining, I appreciate what they are doing fans of both Poppy's more metal-minded efforts and Infected Rain while plenty to enjoy here. Melissa Bruschi, has established herself as an entry in the hottest female metal singers category for sure.

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