Neon Blonde - Chandeliers In the Savannah

It's very difficult to write an album review when the press release already says exactly what you're compelled to say in reference to a valid description of a band's sound. Words only mean so much when you happen to be talking about an entirely different medium, but Neon Blonde is what they purport to be--the alter egos of two already-established musicians taking a shot at reviving the experimental glam-rock of the best of the 1970's--Roxy Music, David Bowie, Queen, Brian Eno, etc. Johnny Whitney and Mark Gajadhar understand how to make interesting music, having been doing it for years with the frenzied hyper art-punk of Seattle's Blood Brothers. Chandeliers in the Savannah is ultimately reminiscent of the members' other work due to Whitney's unmistakeable falsetto and screeching, but the music itself is worlds apart. "Chandeliers and Vines" takes the cake as the album's best, utilizing the piano into a Low-sounding tune with Whitney's sassy vocals providing the hooks, and lyrics as bizarre as he's ever written. "Princess Skullface Sings" brings a drum machine into the mix with synthy basslines; "Headlines" is home to a piano line, well, that you really wouldn't want to have playing in your head if you were alone in a dark house. The duo doesn't completely escape the shadow of their other band, as this simply sounds like the Blood Brothers playing out their experimental/glam obsessions, but it's executed exceptionally well and should be greeted warmly by their current following. [www.dimmak.com]