Spiders singer Ann-Sofie Hoyles really doesn’t want your opinion on her band. And honestly, you can’t blame her. On opener “Rock N Roll Band”, they strut like The Hellacopters, and the solo absolutely soars.
To paraphrase the band: “Hey, shitface, they’re better than you.”
If they’re not too fussed about what you think (and we gave their last one 9/10), then it’s worth saying that this first album in seven years is so steeped in rock history it’s clear they’ve studied it.
“Sweet Boy” is pure ’80s new wave—you can imagine The Vapors doing it. And if The Ramones didn’t record “What’s Your Game (Miss Insane)”, they should’ve (I await an email from some busy bastard telling me it’s a cover…).
Truthfully, they all sound like covers. “Fun In The Sun” rides on its harmonies, “Schizoid” borrows a few chords from The Stones, and the keyboard work is delightfully filthy.
Mostly, though, “Sharp Objects” understands pop. Think The Undertones. Somewhere, Debbie Harry is nodding as they find the shiny glam in “Mess With My Emotions” and the utterly fabulous “Too Hard For You”—the kind of track Nicke Andersson would surely adore.
“Valentines” shifts the mood. A lovelorn ballad that could almost have been on The River, flavoured with harmonica and lush harmony vocals. It contrasts nicely with the more ‘70s-soaked sound of “Life’s Mission”.
Elsewhere, there’s groove aplenty. “Love Yourself To Death” is built around a chunky riff, while closer “Would You Miss Me” already knows the answer: yes.
It’s hard to say what Spiders have more of—self-confidence or great songs.
Whatever the answer, it means “Sharp Objects”—if we can get to the, errr, point—is sensational.
Rating: 9/10
