Holy Ghost Revival - Twilight Exit

by Nadeem Ali

Novelty glam-metal posturing

"It isn’t surprising to find out that the Manics’ Nick Wire is a big fan of this tawdry pomp-rock. Like early Manics this is a band that want to make the biggest, loudest and most ridiculous splash possible."

Holy Ghost Revival sometimes sound like Sparks. On most occasions this would undoubtedly be a good thing. Unfortunately though whilst HGR share the neon brashness of the Mael brothers they lack the demented charm and invention. Instead HGR have decided to play middling indie-rock in a Bowie/Sparks/Guns ‘n’ Roses (some have even suggested Meat Loaf) glam-punk-metal style. Or sometimes they play glam-punk-metal while sounding like The Strokes or an equally skinny trousered Strokes rip off band. Or if baroque goth-punks Pleasure Forever had indulged their excesses HGR might have been the result.

HGR’s biggest problem is that they are trying far too hard to shock and roll with their faux theatrics. The posturing hard rock of ‘Embrace The Hate’ could be ‘Gold Against The Soul’ era Manic Street Preachers. It isn’t surprising to find out that the Manics’ Nick Wire is a big fan of this tawdry pomp-rock. Like early Manics this is a band that want to make the biggest, loudest and most ridiculous splash possible. They actually end up sounding incredibly obnoxious, a fact not helped by singer Conor Kiley’s whiny over the top wailing. Underneath all the frippery lies a pretty average and conservative alterna-rock outfit.

There are a few moments of success, moments where the band reveal warmth, tenderness and sincerity rather than mere cocksure swagger. The surprisingly soulful Bowie-esque ballad ‘Burn Down Your House’ is the work of a band still destined to exist this time next year. The anthemic ‘Arrogant Army’ is not only very catchy but is also remarkably likeable. ‘Rationed Sacrifice’ is a low-key smoocher and all the better for it. When the band go hell for leather, or like a bat out of hell, they sound like the bottom of a completely empty barrel being desperately scraped. When the band choose tunes over novelty rocking they reveal some potential for, if not greatness, at least a vague goodness.

Jen Perkin said on September 8th 2008 [report abuse]

Omigod, yes. And BY FAR the worst band I have ever seen live. Ugh.

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