It’s good to know that “Bubblegum-Goth” isn’t dead. I can just hear my friends saying “What are you on about now Goth?” but it’s true, aside from the likes of The Birthday Massacre, there isn’t much out there to appeal to the young-uns. Up steps Diva Suicide to plug the gap with their mix of pop, dance and glam rock have a credible but appealing sound, and a look that is identifiable but easy to imitate.
I’m sure this won’t be to everyone’s taste, and in all honesty it’s not really something that grabs me and shakes me. But it’s not supposed to - they’re aiming high, into the realms of the likes of HIM and 30 Seconds To Mars, and I think they have what it takes to back it up.
‘She Cries to Lullabies’ opens up with a cheesy music box sample that bursts into life with glam riffs and trance like keyboards that is both danceable and rocky. ‘Redemption’ has the dance floor in mind and -XS-’s cutesy vocals give it great sing-a-long potential. ‘Blessed by the Sun’ continues the rock riff over dance synths formula for a fast paced and punky track. ‘Angel on Extasy’ again is heavier on the dance than the rock which makes for quite nice club track as well as one that would sound good live with it’s heavier chorus and bridge. ‘Lies’ sounds like an early 90’s grungy/industrial crossover in the same vein as Jack Off Jill, which should make for a fan favourite. ‘This Night’ in contrast is a lighter popier song that has another infectious sing-a-long chorus. The final song ‘Crystals’, like ‘Lies’ before it is a grungy/dancey track that, despite not doing anything particularly different to the other tracks, does stand apart as quite a strong offering.
This band have a formula for success, and with the right break it’s one that could turn them into stars. My only real criticism on this album, is that it does sound like there is way too much compression used on a few of the tracks that does dull their edge a bit. Not bad at all though for a debut and one they can certainly build on.
http://www.divasuicide.net
http://www.myspace.com/divasuicide
