Album Review by EDF
The Hindi Guns come from Portland, Oregon and attempt to put the punk back into rock. Well they nearly do, but this is more pre-Sex Pistols punk, US style. Comparing them to Johnny Thunders would not be too far off the mark but there is something more to this group. There is a frank approach to lead singer’s DeeDee Cheriel’s vocals, sounding like she has seen it, done it all a few times over.
The group’s second single LONDON RAIN kicks off the album and you’d be amazed at how un-commercial this track is. The other thing is that it was coincidently raining in London when this review was written. Thanks I needed a good reason to stay in. Brace yourself for some frank, unrepentive lyrics like “mother nature is a whore” on SHE’S ALL RIGHT. GOIN’ TO PORTLAND, is a homage of sorts, celebrating its junkies, hustlers and whores. I DON’T WANNA DRINK MERCURY, sounds like it’s the end of the road for some unfortunate soul. The trumpet led FURY is easily the standout track on the album as the downbeat conjures up images of a good old-fashioned Mexican standoff. The sexual subject matter on the hot and steamy HONEY just oozes of sex that will nearly melt your speakers. While the songs clock in at an average 3 minutes, the longest track is the last track. COME ON is about a minute too long, stumbling on without any real direction where to take the track.
Although DeeDee seems not to have the strongest vocals going, her style is appropriate for what the band are doing. This collection of songs might not set the world on fire but at least they are not trying to compete with the well-established big boys.
