THE LIVING THINGS
Ahead of the Lions
Jive/Zomba Label Group
· These boys aren’t short on piss and vinegar, that’s for sure.
The first album by The Living Things is arguably the most politically charged mainstream debut album since Rage Against the Machine’s debut. In addition to the usual subject matter about having a good rock ’n’ roll time, the group rails against war, societal ills and even the Lord.
But enough about the subject matter. How’s the music? The group has a sound similar to T. Rex and the New York Dolls in that they know grungy guitars are fine by themselves, but are better when applied with hooks and booty-shaking rhythms. The band certainly shows a talent for catchiness, but some of the hooks in both the vocals and guitars are a little too similar at times.
Having said that, when the group hits a good groove, like on "Bom Bom Bom" and "Monsters of Man," they come up with some tasty rock gems. Singer Lillian Berlin (now there’s a rock-star moniker if ever I heard one) has a voice that fits the music well, coming off as a combination of Iggy Pop and ’70s-era Elvis Costello, and he makes up in attitude what he lacks in distinction. While far from perfect, The Living Things show a confidence and aggression rarely seen on a band’s first album, and the best songs make it worth a look.
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