Justine and the Unclean “Get Unclean”
Former members of Boston band Malachite, Justine Covault (lead vocalist) and Janet Egan King (bass) are the main force behind The Unclean with the addition of Charles Hansen (Tom Baker & the Snakes) on lead guitar and Jim Janota’s pounding drums. It’s bar room power pop with some punk overtones, and like most of the Rum Bar Records roster, it features big hooks and loud anthems suitable for the arena rock crowd.
“Bring Me Fire” is starts us out with a dense guitar rhythm, and you’ll hear many influences from Heart, to Missing Persons and The Buzzcocks. Covault’s vocals are very distinctive and while not as quirky as Dale Bozzio she has a more aggressive approach as best heard on “Love Got Me Into This Mess.” There is also a slight twang to the hard country-rock “I’m in Love With You, Jackass,” which is both catchy and full of attitude. The harmonies of Justine and Janet shine on the Ramones-like “Passive Aggressive Baby.” Across the album, we get many solid songs with no filler anywhere but a ballad somewhere would’ve been a nice break from all those fast tempos. A great debut that deserves to be heard.
Shed Seven “Instant Pleasures”
Old school Brit-poppers Shed Seven race to grab the Brit-pop crown from the late Oasis with a hard-rocking sound 16 years after they disbanded. Make no mistake, this is a glossy studio rocker with all the bells, whistles, and the kitchen sink to jack up the band’s long forgotten mojo.
The opener “Room In My House” has that thick swagger, energetic guitars and the theatrical “Yeah, yeah, yeahs” sure to win over the unconverted. “Nothing To Live Down” is another sing along gem, but from that point things get spotty. “It’s Not Easy” and, “Said I’m Sorry” are more reflective and veer closer to pure pop. Overall, the album is hit or miss with its remaining songs. I liked the nostalgic “Better Days” but the dance-rock of “Enemies and Friends” left me flat. Another gem is “Star Crossed Lovers,” but the faux Maroon Five “People Will Talk” show that Shed Seven won’t supplant the Gallagher brothers at this point in time. However, Brit-pop fans should check this one out.