aaamusic | On 25, Mar 2012

Condensing the hedonistic glammed-up world of Ziggy Stardust-era Bowie into a mere four songs, Jonny Cola and the A-Grades have seemed to explode out of nowhere to throw their updated version of the scuzzy glitter sound at the world. Opener ‘Halo’ kicks off with a dark and sexy bassline and slow ballad-esque drumming that compliments the bittersweet vocals and heavy-hitting dirty pop guitars. Everything about this song from the wryly pessimistic lyrics and combination of hard rock and heartfelt underdog bluesy soul screams Ziggy Stardust at me, and the dead-on vocal resemblance only emphasises this, perhaps with a twist of powerpop and the 80s glam a la Dogs D’Amour and Hanoi Rocks boom. ‘Rain Stops Play’ delivers a slightly less derivative and slightly more punk rock number, fast-paced, loud and nihilistic in the manner that will have listeners bouncing off the walls with the fast-paced, catchy chorus.

The next two songs (the hypothetical other side of the record) are longer, more low-key, and unfortunately expose a couple of gaps in the band’s abilities. ‘Ripples’ exhibits yet more Bowie-isms, a strongly pop piano ballad with a rock edge, still strutting its hairspray and eyeliner proud despite its mournful overtones. However, despite a strong start and some high points, the guitar solo feels oddly contrived and loses its power as a result. This is a shame, because the poetic Bowie-meets-Dogs D’Amour poetic ballad ‘Ship Of Fools’ is an understatedly strong number. There’s obvious elements of ‘Billy Two Rivers’ here, as well as ‘Lady Stardust’, and although it doesn’t quite hit the compelling heights of the former, it’s a strong showing from the band.

I have to say that in some respects, I can’t quite see Jonny Cola and the A Grades as a tribute band with big ideas. They sound almost exactly like Ziggy Stardust Bowie, from the sound to the lyrics. That said, the fact that they’re able to replicate such a great sound so well is no doubt to be commended. I can understand the hype, and I can enjoy the songs, but as of right now they won’t go down in history quite like the buzz suggests.

 

Katie H-Halinski