The 69 Eyes
Universal Monsters
Nuclear Blast Records
Release Date: 22 April 2016
Review by Matt Bolton
If you could imagine what it would sound like if Iggy Pop, The Cramps and The Sisters of Mercy had a three way, while spinning an Elvis record would sound like, it would be close to this. Perhaps the fact of working with producer Johnny Lee Michaels, who produced my four favourite albums, being Blessed Be, Paris Kills, Devils, and Angels. This album has that classic The 69 Eyes sound and stands up to its predecessors.
Goth ‘n roll is alive and well as Bazie and Timo-Timo come out with some bone-tearing riffs in opening track, Dolce Vita. The distinct voice of Jyrki 69 hits like HEAVY hail stones and it is not long before we get our first guitar solo, with many more to come. The catchy, Jet Fighter Plane, is a welcome single. A retro Cold War song that could fit in very well to politics today, although the band stresses it was not written for that reason.
Blackbird Pie, has a HEAVY hitting riff and a catchy chorus, even a bit of acoustic guitar that has a country feel to it; a cool track indeed. Lady Darkness, reminds me of Iggy Pop probably the most on the record. It’s a retro track and I favour the vocals on the chorus and groovy bass line provided by Archzie. Some of the best tracks are yet to come from the Helsinki Vampires with rocking track, Miss Pastis. Shallow Graves, with that ringing riff and Jussi 69 belting away behind the kit to Archzie’s’ frantic bass. Jerusalem, is another stand out with an amazing sound with the use of string arrangements.
Blue, brings the late David Bowie to mind and it’s something completely different from the band. Ending like it started with the final rocker, Rock ‘n Roll Junkie, it’s great to see Finland’s finest do what they do best, keeping rock music alive and well. Crank it!
