“Nothing at all”, “Under my skin”, “Curse the moon”, “Free” e Pass the gun around” sono legati fra di loro da un filo rosso sangue che non va spezzato per non compometterne la piena assimilazione, in fatti Love, lust and revenge va ascoltato con la giusta concentrazione, meglio se in cuffia e colla mente sgombra d’ogni quotidiano cruccio. Un lavoro ove il processo di produzione e di perfezionamento dei suoni è stato affidato a mani peritissime (Dick Wagner già chitarrista di Alice Cooper e collaboratore di Kiss e Meat Loaf, Otto D’Agnolo per quanto riguarda il mixing, Gil Markle per il mastering) ed è stato svolto in studi qualificati tanto che è limitante attribuire al disco la patente di semplice produzione nazionale. Not a Progressive act for the most orthodox standards, The Mugshots, with the supportive help of their godfather Dick Wagner, has created a pleasant, melodic, and well-produced record, which may find an audience among fans of “Alice Cooper”, “The Misfits”, and even “Marillion”, “David Bowie”, “Queen”, and “Lou Reed”.Ĭinque brani che fanno parte della colonna sonora del thriller “Reversed”, firmato da Vince D’Amato e pubblicato da Brivido Giallo/Creepy Six Films, caratterizzati da un rock dalle fosche tinte obscure e dalle (ovvie, considerato l’utilizzo) ambientazioni cinematografiche, ove traspare pure una certa inclinazione per le proposte di Genesis ed altri felici interpreti della stagione d’oro del rock progressivo Inglese, ma riadattate con cura e personalità, ecco quanto proposto da The Mugshots in Love, lust and revenge.
The EP ends with a cover of “Pass The Gun Around” (5:18) (by “Alice Cooper” & “Dick Wagner”), which makes justice to the original song, being however adorned with soft harmony vocals and soaring progressive guitars. The simplicity of the arrangements may be appealing for listeners that like something more popish and danceable. “Free (As I Am)” (5:31) has a swinging guitar riff accompanied by discrete gothic organs – and a vocal tune that also reminds me of “Lou Reed”, with a rhythm n’ blues choir. “Curse The Moon” (5:34) is also introduced by poignant pianos, low-toned bass, and brings more drama and heaviness on guitars – overall, it is story-telling, more like the infamous ballads of “Alice Cooper” and “Ozzy Osbourne”.
The following song, “Under My Skin” (5:02), is driven by a pulsing rock beat on bass and drums, and vocals with a tone that recalls “Alice Cooper” or “The Misfits”. The opening song, “Nothing At All” (6:13), has cl.assical pianos, expressive vocals, melodic guitars and progressive bass, and recalls much more a song of “Marillion” with “Fish” then what would be expected from a regular Horror-Punk or Alternative Rock band. What initially surprised me was that, in spite of being a Horror-Rock outfit with Punk-Rock affinities, The Mugshots produces music that is melodic, catchy, and with elaborated arrangements.