Saturday 25 August 2012

The Neo-Kalashnikovs: She's On Heat


The Neo-Kalashnikovs: She's On Heat

[Here's a link to the album for instant download http://www.mediafire.com/?o58i803sulne38t  ]  

If you have ever wanted a record that brought back those pre 1990's vibes of 
hard rocking Nirvana She's on Heat is for you. Hailing from Auckland 
The Neo-Kalashnikovs know how to rock. From the drum shattering start of 
"Bohemia" a song reminiscent of Metillica's "Nothing else matters" I like it … lots.

Before I listened to She's on Heat I had the pleasure of talking to guitarist Volita Bioletti about her debut album. She said that her aim was to define a movement towards rock without the manufactured stupid girl stereotype. Judging from the first song off the album "Diamonds" I think she's achieved just that. From the twangy sting of what most certainly is a Gibson guitar my speakers imploded. However, what I really like about the lead single "Diamonds" is it's vintage distorted vocals that sound like lead singer Volita is singing down a well in Siberia.

My second favorite song off the swelteringly hot under the collar album was "Shining Star". It's more relaxed tone has a depth lyrically that punches home a theme of love with some tasty banjo. "In a State of Paranoia" was also a real stand out with a reminiscent Yeah Yeah Yeahs swag. Sick.

Gee Gee (L.A Rocker)


Lana Del Ray: Born To Die (album Review)


Lana Del Ray: Born to Die



I think to objectively review "Born To Die" on it's merits one needs to firstly address the swirling allegations that Lana Del Ray is a fraud and a rich girl who doesn't deserve anything. Just google the studio and you can see that she recorded her break out song "Video Games" in squalor. The studio is arguably run by Sony BMG however the hard times of the record industry are drastically apparent as the studio consists of virtually only a computer and a pair of speakers. Lana Del Ray's dad may be a millionaire but if she has been being spoon feed millions it doesn't make sense that she would sign a record deal for $10,000 and move into a trailer park in upstate N.Y to write her songs. 

In terms of the music on the album its great. I'm not saying their aren't only positives but in terms of a hit album that has immediate appeal this is a great album. My personal favorites are "Video games" which uniquely ties sparse electro-symphony production to an 1950's swag. While "Summer Time Sadness" has a melancholy hipster edge. Standouts are also "National Anthem" that chucks a nod to J.F.K (R.I.P) and "Blue Jeans" for it's contemporary take on modern life/love that conjures striking imagery through it's lyrical beauty.

  Moss Bioletti (The Neo-Kalashnikovs)