One part Nancy Sinatra/Shangri-Las-type vocals. One part distorted guitars. Add a driving beat, stir, and there you have it -- The Ettes are back with a new album full of garage rock grooves that will have you twisting in no time.
Released last month, Look At Life Again Soon picks up where 2006's Shake The Dust left off. Rather than going off and experimenting with unknown sounds or embracing new technology, the band continue their quest for the rock-n-roll holy grail. Recorded in London with producer Liam Watson at the helm, The Ettes (made up of lead singer Lindsay Hames, guitarist Jeremy Cohen and drummer Maria Silver) honed their talents by fusing a Spector-esque wall of sound with fuzzy, lo-fi guitars. The end result can go toe-to-toe with any of their contemporaries such as The Kills, The White Stripes and the Detroit Cobras.
The standout track is the last on the record. While not as upbeat as most of the other songs on life, the goth-country Where Your Loyalties Lie provides the listener with a sound reminiscent of post-punk roots music (think early gun club) underlined by an echoing, menacing guitar riff.
At just under half an hour, my only complaint is that the album is too short. However, what it lacks in length, it makes up for in timeless rock.
The Ettes will be playing two area shows later this month --
sat 9/13 - Williamsburg Music Hall
tue 9/16 - Mercury Lounge
Where Your Loyalties Lie (Download)
Review by Danny Alonso
