Suicide City ‘Frenzy’ CD Review
July 6th, 2009 by Stephanie Stevens
SUICIDE CITY-FRENZY
THE END RECORDS
RELEASE: AUGUST 4, 2009
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/SUICIDECITY
RATING: 4/5
I really thought New York based band SUICIDE CITY had left the scene after releasing a little demo back a few years ago. A demo that showcased life after being a part of iconic bands like Biohazard and Kittie, but I was wrong the band was just laying low and finishing the final touches and artsy flair of the bands first full length album FRENZY.
FRENZY is perfectly named for the disc and the band. For one anyone who has seen this band live can relate to me when I say it’s like the energizer bunny on crack times 25 when these guys and gal hit the stage. But when you think FRENZY, the record the word frenzy doesn’t mean crazy and chaotic I’d say it’s more of a meaning of diverse nature. The record bleeds with energy don’t get me wrong but it tackles so many angles of musical talent which makes the disc very distinct. I would sum up the record as a soundtrack that brings back classic, iconic movies back to life; the zaniness of the Rocky Horror Picture Show to the mystery and darkness of The Crow. Add in some punk rock swagger and alluring theatric ambience you have FRENZY in a nutshell. Another element that makes the band stick out is the unique vocals of Karl Bernholtz, he has a quirkiness where he can bleed with craziness, seduce with mystery or bring you to a theatric production of emotion. CUTTER opens up the disc for the most part with that old school New York punk attitude. Another great factor about the band is the vocal talents of Billy Graziadei and Jennifer Arroyo two people with more distinct flavor that really gives good layering to some of the songs. I brought up the Crow movie before because it paints the picture of the dark and sensual moonscapes of the record but also because the guys do a cover of the Cure’s BURN that came off the movies soundtrack and by god I had to listen to it on repeat cause it came out sounding so much like the original. PAINTED HORSE continues the dark sounds with a great guitar element and moody vocals. THE BEST WAY one of my favorites has a high energy vibe and reminds me of a track that could be in the Rocky Horror Picture Show play list. It is fun and very cheeky!! UNDONE a song off the bands old demo filter in with a revamped style; I like the stronger vocals in the chorus. One other song I took to was SHE WAITS it shows off more of a singing pattern and once again diversifies the band. The last few tracks on the disc bring into play some electronic feeling interweaving throughout songs like SPANISH FLY and SHE WAITS. They also give you a Nine Inch Nail feel with whispery singing and somber like piano elements in LOST YEARS. NOT MY YEAR is another track that mixes it up with a rock feel but has a certain feel of bluesy easy breezy feel going on in the backdrop. SUICIDE CITY is bringing an adventure to your ears in 15 songs. They have been hiding out for a good reason FRENZY is delicious.
