Lordi Babez for Breakfast
by Trevor Portz
Staff Writer
Though they have yet to fully conquer the states, Lordi have certainly had a fair bit of success overseas, most memorably after winning Eurovision in 2006. Of course, winning a TV music contest isn’t necessarily the key to pop longevity. Then again, neither is dressing up in crazy costumes and writing silly, tongue-in-cheek lyrics. Sure, it worked for Gwar, and to a lesser extent Green Jello, but others didn’t fair so well (Mushroomhead or The Upper Crust anybody?) What may have saved (and will continue to save) Lordi, though, is the fact that they make great music. More precisely, they make rock and roll (or metal, depending on who you ask) the way it was made when it ruled the airwaves—catchy songs, silly lyrics, sing-a-long choruses, and lots of cheesy synths. Okay, so maybe the last part wasn’t a necessary ingredient, but it does bring you back to the big-haired, hedonistic ’80s, reminding you why glam metal ruled the world, even if only briefly. With their newest release, Babez for Breakfast, is another platter of smile-inducing costumed party rock that will only serve to further cement Lordi as a band in for the long haul.
After the very bizarre birthing heard on “SC65- It’s a Boy,” things get going with the Priest-sounding “Babez for Breakfast.” While the alternation in the chorus between “babes for breakfast…” and “babies for breakfast…” may seem to show a band unsure who first to consume, the follow up of “…bitches for lunch” leaves a chorus equal parts offensive (to some) and memorable.
“This Is Heavy Metal” brings in sounds reminiscent of Fu Manchu and Danzig, though with a humorous twist long abandoned by the latter. “Rock Police” is a blend of synth-heavy Van Halen and slower Stratovarius with a key solo straight from 1985. Corny? Yes. Cool? Of course.
“Call Off The Wedding” is an interesting power ballad featuring Bruce Kulick on a very nice double lead solo (assuming he played this bit, that is). The music borders on being too dated for its own good, but the fun lyrics keep the song interesting.
“I Am Bigger Than You” takes things in an entirely different direction, feeling more like Rammstein or Rob Zombie (another successful costumed headbanger). The dancey chorus and overall beat would do well in most any open-minded club, even more so if delivered as a full-on dance remix.
Other standout tracks include “Give Your Life for Rock and Roll” with its unique harpsichord solo, the overt Bon Jovi-ness of “Loud and Loaded,” and the hilariously named “Granny’s Gone Crazy,” featuring an Alice Cooper-like spoken-word bit by the underrated Mark Slaughter (who, on a side note, should really be making albums again).
While it’s questionable as to whether Babez for Breakfast will finally break Lordi in the states, there’s no debating that the quality loving Euro music fans will eat it up the way the bands eats little ones. If anything, it’s good to see that Lordi have far more to offer than costumes and contest winnings. Watch out, children of the world.
Genre: Costumed Rock
Band:
Mr. Lordi (v)
Amen (g)
Kita (d)
OX (b)
Awa (k)
Track Listing:
1. SCG5: It’s a Boy!
2. Babez for Breakfast
3. This Is Heavy Metal
4. Rock Police
5. Discoevil
6. Call Off the Wedding
7. I Am Bigger Than You
8. ZombieRawkMachine
9. Midnite Lover
10. Give Your Life for Rock and Roll
11. Nonstop Nite
12. Amen’s Lament to Ra
13. Loud and Loaded
14. Granny’s Gone Crazy
15. Devil’s Lullaby
Label: The End Records
Website: www.lordi.fi
Hardrock Haven rating: 8.8/10