S.E.X. Department Rock n’ Roll Suicide
by Trevor Portz
Staff Writer
Hair/glam metal is somewhat of an anomaly, as it is arguably both the most commercially successful, yet equally laughed at subgenre of heavy metal. Classic hair metal anthems still get regular play on the radio and at parties the world over, and even show up in French fry commercials. And though the overall popularity of the genre may have fallen off after the ’80s boom, there are still a number of bands keeping the sound, and, perhaps more importantly, the look, alive. Adorned in black leather rock n’ roll police uniforms, Italy’s S.E.X. Department are certainly carrying the glam torch.
A follow-up to their well-received, self-titled 2007 debut, Rock n’ Roll Suicide shows the band refining their sound and furthering proof that good, sleazy rock is very much alive and well. Kicking off with one-two punch of radio-friendly gems “Heroin” and “Wasted In Texas,” S.E.X. Department do an excellent job of blending the more commercial aspects of hair metal—killer hooks, sing-along choruses, and almost pop–punk-esque melodies—with the heaviness, power, and balls that are necessary to keep the songs in line with best of the Hollywood/Strip bands of the past. Minus some rather questionable lyrical content (by radio standards), there’s no doubt that these guys could be radio darlings if stations give them a chance.
Dominated by hard-driving rock anthems, the album does contain its two obligatory hair metal power ballads, “Back My Uniform” and “Memories Of The Sea.” The former, with its soaring melodies and slow build from beautiful to powerful, is on par with almost any ’80s classic. Referencing the “uniform,” does well to call out the band’s very distinct personal style as well. “Memories…” doesn’t pack quite the same punch, but is certainly competent and makes one wonder if the “sea memories” are possibly of Hanoi Rocks’ “Underwater World.”
As far as general musicianship goes, this trio is at the top of its game. Vocalist/guitarist Kelly “Trash” Mendess is a perfect frontman, with his high-pitched (though never obnoxiously so) vocals soaring over the power-chord packed rhythm tracks (the questionably titled “Gypsy Nazi” being perhaps his finest moment). His guitar solos are very flashy, but never lose the all-to-essential melody that makes them memorable. He also does an amazing job of sprinkling beautiful lead melodies throughout the songs, giving them a depth that many rock songs lack. Bassist Nasty Lane and drummer Justin Sandler round out the line up, holding down the backing tracks without being overly garish and distracting, but throwing in enough flash to keep them from backline status.
Produced by Pedro Ferreira (The Darkness’ Permission To Land), Rock n’ Roll Suicide’s slick production works excellently to enhance the overall commercial vibe without removing any of it’s innate grittiness, a necessity for this type of music. It’s much more akin to the early ’80s hair classics, as opposed to the later, “pop with guitars” sound that dominated the genre.
Finally, taking a cue from the likes of George Lucas and Gene Simmons, S.E.X. Department clearly understand the necessity of marketing. A band built around the idea of being enforcers of all things rock n’ roll may seem a bit silly at first, but what S.E.X. Department really have going for them is the fact that they are 100% committed—musically and visually. Along with the usual t-shirts and tank tops, they also offer the option of owning a genuine S.E.X. Department (Pussy Master) officer’s uniform, complete with sew-on patches. If grunge, emo, and hipster culture have taught us nothing else, it’s that people love to look like the bands they listen to. At least in this instance, the fans will look pretty damn good.
Label: Perris Records
Web: http://www.myspace.com/sexdepartment ; http://www.sexdepartment.net
Band Lineup:
Kelly “Trash” Mendess (v/g)
Nasty Lane (b)
Justin Sandler (d)
Track Listing:
1. Heroin
2. Wasted In Texas
3. Back My Uniform
4. Don’t You Change My Life
5. Sexy Cab
6. Gypsy Nazi
7. Memories Of The Sea
8. L’Italiano
9. S.E.X. Department (disco remix)
Hardrock Haven rating 8/10