Acey Slade and the Dark Party The Dark Party
by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer
The Dark Party is the debut full-length from New York-based electronic rockers Acey Slade and the Dark Party. Singer/guitarist Acey Slade had previously spent time in bands as varied as Dope, Trashlight Vision and the Murderdolls, but with The Dark Party seems to be pushing things in a decidedly electronic and glam direction.
After the bizarre PSA-style warning about the dangers of listening to this allegedly subversive album, The Dark Party kicks off in earnest with “Here Today,” which is fairly representative of the entire album. It’s a rock album for sure, but one drenched in sickly sweet synths and the kind of techno beats you hear pouring out of dance clubs. Some of the songs actually rock, but for the most part you’re reminded of a rock version of Dead or Alive or the Pet Shop Boys. The band’s androgynously glam appearance and Hot Topic appropriate lyrics only add to that impression. It’s just too hard to take them seriously as a rock act. One point of interest is the band’s cover of the Cult’s classic “She Sells Sanctuary.” It’s essentially a dance pop version of the song. The only problem is that the Cult already has at least one version quite similar to this on their Rare Cult compilation, so Acey Slade’s version just seems tired and uninspired.
In the end, your enjoyment of The Dark Party is going to come down to your tolerance level for electronic rock. If synths and pulsing techno beats have you running screaming from the room, nothing on this album is going to change that. If you like your rock all poppy and dance club-ready, then by all means join The Dark Party.
Genre: Electronic Rock
Band:
Acey Slade (v)(g)
Andee (g)(v)
Chris Kling (d)
Per-C (b)(k)(v)
Track Listing:
1. Darklexia
2. Here Today
3. Sugarcum
4. Nothing’s Gonna Change
5. She Brings Down the Moon
6. She Sells Sanctuary
7. Baby the Stars Shine Brightly
8. Plastic Lego Queen
9. Coming Down
10. Spiders In a Snow Globe
11. Reptile House
Label: Trash Pit
Website: www.thedarkparty.co.uk
Hardrock Haven rating: 5/10