by Alexandra Mrozowska
– Senior Columnist —
Promoting themselves with a combination of words “rock” and “sex” and all possible derivations of the two, Midnight Sin may appear to be an Italian answer to Steel Panther. The title of their debut Sex First, released via Bakerteam Records, is suggestive enough, not even to mention the particular songs off that album (“Code: 69”, for example) or the band members’ supposedly adapted stage names. Acey Guns sounds so totally ‘80s, doesn’t it…? But these Italians are able to do something more than just shamelessly brag about their sexual antics and decadent lifestyle – they can really rock, and Sex First is a clear proof of it.
“Snake Eyes” is a minute-long album intro, which sounds just exactly as if a nice family picnic of the vintage black-and-white movie was interrupted with an alien invasion or Satan’s uprising – or maybe both? If you remember the humble beginnings of Steel Panther (back then, Metal Skool) and their spoken word skit “Satan’s Intro” – the impression is more or less the same. This being said, there’s a kind of similarity between both also in terms of music, not only the exploitation of the same clichés – the first ‘proper’ track “Midnight Revolution” assaults the listener with a dose of catchy, powerful glam metal enhanced with modern-day production.
“Feed Me With Lies” and “No Matter” continues in a similar manner, the vocal harmonies and melodic choruses of both in vein of Reckless Love (with slight touches of H.E.A.T). It’s the ‘80s cock rock in a contemporary package – not that we haven’t heard that before, but the old formulas and slightly worn-out patterns still work out well, it seems.
A pumping bass opening of “Till It’s All Gone Away” may sound a little more raw, but still, don’t expect from Midnight Sin to turn into a sharp-clawed brutal metal machine. This won’t happen – at least on Sex First, as the above track turns out to be one of these melodic-to-the-utmost, almost poppy tunes tough metalheads listen only with their curtains drawn and windows closed. “You Piss Me Off” both music- and lyric-wise sounds as if it was a literal outtake of Steel Panther’s newest album, perhaps with a little bit of star-studded glam supergroup Shameless. Its follow-up is a piece of meaty, muscular sleaze rock, titled “Rise & Yell”. Next is “Code: 69,” again a nod and a wink to Steel Panther’s slow-ish tunes such as “Community Property” or “Fat Girl” – the song’s theme being also quite familiar to Michael Starr-fronted group.
It doesn’t have to be explained that out of the eponymous “2 Words”, one is a four-letter one – but it’s certainly not the first time the Italian hedonists drop their favourite F-bombs on Sex First. After this portion of melodic glam metal, a final track turns out to be a charming piano-based power ballad (yes, you must have already guessed that at least one has to be there, for the sake of the unwritten rules of the genre). “Sweet Pain” is as saccharine as Poison or Warrant would get in their best ballad moments, with the singer Albert Fish doing his best Bret Michaels impersonation – a neat finish of an unrevelatory, but certainly enjoyable album.
Bands like Midnight Sin, who continue on carrying the torch even though the ‘80s are long gone now, may not be equally convincing for everyone. Symphonic rock aficionados won’t find much for themselves on Sex First, and perhaps also those who found Nirvana’s grunge revolution refreshing will react on it with plenty of eye-rolling and head-shaking. Still, those who don’t feel ashamed of sporting their faded Pretty Boy Floyd t-shirts and who never stopped using the excessive amounts of AquaNet even when going out jogging will love what the hedonistic Italian quintet is all about. At times, it may seem Midnight Sin has been way too diligent disciples of their American colleagues Steel Panther, minus the parody factor. But even if it is so, their shameless tales of sex and parties, accompanied with powerful riffs and catchy hooks, will remind you either why you miss the ‘80s or why you wish you were born thirty years earlier. Much recommended to every glam metal fan, not only as a soundtrack to committing sins at midnight.
Genre: Hair Metal, Glam Metal, Hard Rock
Band:
Albert Fish – vocals
LeStar – lead guitar
Maurice Flee – rhythm guitar
Acey Guns – bass
Dany Rake – drums
Track List:
1. Snake Eyes
2. Midnight Revolution
3. Feed Me With Lies
4. No Matter
5. ‘Till It’s All Gone Away
6. You Piss Me Off
7. Rise & Yell
8. Code: 69
9. 2 Words
10. Sweet Pain
Label: Bakerteam Records, Scarlet Records
Website: https://www.facebook.com/midnightsinband
Hardrock Haven rating: 7/10
