Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Album Review: "Sweet Static" by Bruiser Queen

Sweet Static
I'm going to assume for a minute that you kind of care about me, your friend and humble narrator.

As I write this, I'm sitting in a hotel room in Birmingham, AL on a business trip. Yes, I'd love to tell you that writing about music is how I pay my bills, but even though it's my passion, it's a non-paid endeavor.

Presently, St. Louis's own Bruiser Queen is pouring out of my speakers and it kind of feels like a love note from home.

As anyone who listens to KWMU or reads my other, mostly inactive, blog knows, I'm a fan of St. Louis City, MO. Frankly, I'm feeling a little homesick.

I'm in the deep south and I don't have my friends and family here, but I'm happy to say that my hosts and fellow travelers are keeping me very busy, hence why I'm writing this seven hours before it publishes! All that being said, I'm going to tell you what I think about our local band....



Lovingly stolen from their facebook as I didn't get a press photo.
Like many bands in the world today, Bruiser Queen is a duo like The White Stripes, Left Lane Cruiser, the original Hooten Hallers, etc etc etc.

Where they differ is that they're not playing the blues or an updated version that I call psychobilly blues.

They've also got a female singer, which is just rare in this variety of music.

I'm also pleased to say that they are not overdubbing bass guitar like a few other acts.

Instead of the blues being their inspiration, 80's new wave takes the spot.

The guitars aren't crunch by any definition. They aren't defined by buzz saw gain, but the fluid sound of early rock.

There is no hard driving drum beat. The vocals aren't semi-growled .

This album strikes me as wailing new old new wave. The songs are well structured and powerful.

Vocally, I'm most reminded of Exene Cervanka. Morgan Nusbaum, singer/guitarist, toes the line between screaming and singing which creates an uncomfortable, but pleasing balance between extremes.

The guitar work is straight chords and the drums are straight ahead. All in all their sophomore effort is pleasing and intriguing.

Definitely something those of us from the confluence can be proud of.

Release: Out now.
Label: Boxing Clever
Genre: Garage Rock
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