She Wants Revenge Album Review

I don’t think She Wants Revenge realize that they were supposed to be a screamo band.  The band name, the cover art, and the lyrics all fit the mold for a group of contrived early 20-somethings who can carry a tune about as well as they can handle a relationship.  But apparently, they didn’t get that memo.  Instead they got the one that said, “You should sound like Interpol/New Order/Depeche Mode, but not as awesome.”

The insipid, monotone vocals and the repetitious programmed percussion vary about as much as a jackhammer. Like their predecessors, Depeche Mode and Joy Division, layers of fuzzy synth and dark, ominous bass are plentiful in each gloomy tune, but Justin Warfield (vocals, guitar, computer) and Adam Bravin (bass guitar, keyboard, percussion, programming) have only managed to produce an 80’s new-wave/post punk photocopy.

It’s not that She Wants Revenge’s debut, self-titled album is bad, there are just plenty of other bands that have done it before, and have done it better.  It’s chock-full of lyrical love, lust, and longing that evokes The Cure, but clichéd lines like, “Torn up photos and lonely nights/Cursing crying and drawn out fights” tempt you to skip to the next song.  It may take several listens to actually remember a song, because even after a 60 minute disc with an 8 minute album-closing epic hidden track, the most memorable lines are the trashy ones you’re embarrassed to sing out loud (“These Things“).  The most enjoyable moments (“Someone Must Get Hurt”, “Tear You Apart”) shine and feature the most interesting and satisfying melodies of the album.