So when you think of all girl bands, your mind automatically races to some pop trio or perhaps even the not so talented arrangement of The Donnas. Let's face it, girl bands have a bad wrap and are generally considered much less talented than their male counterparts. However, Sahara Hotnights seems to break this common misconception without throwing themselves completely to the mainstream crowd. Perhaps it's the fact that they originate from Sweden that gives them a sound that sets them apart from both male and female bands. Without further ado, Sahara Hotnights consists of :
Maria Andersson - Vocalist/Guitarist
Josephine Forsman - Drummer
Jennie Asplund - Guitarist
Johanna Asplund - Bassist
Moving onto the actual album at hand.
C'Mon Let's Pretend
Push On Some More
This song doesn't wait to get into the music, it begins right away. A steady bassline fills the background, and some simple but easy flowing guitar riffs can be heard as well. Andersson's voice seems to shine in the chorus of the song, accompanied with some harmonic background vocals. In comparison, the chorus seems to overpower the actual verses within the song, but it does not hinder the song. Luckily, the energy in this song remains constant, proving this to be a good opener for an even better CD.
Rating : 8/10
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Quite A Feeling
Beginning with Andersson's gentle voice and a few guitar chords, it appears as though this may be more of a downbeat song which isn't quite the case. The drums kick in after this, with a very catchy guitar riff, which then repeats after every line Andersson sings. Yet again, background vocals fill the chorus, but they seem to lead to a fuller sound. This being one of their singles, you soon understand why it was chosen to be one.
Rating : 9/10
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Drive Dead Slow
Ranking as one of my favorite songs on the album, it begins with a guitar using some effects, as the bass and drum later come in together. Andersson seems to change her vocal sound on this song during the verses, giving her a somewhat post-punk sound. The chorus remains to be simple lyrically but is extremely catchy. The third verse seems to be the most downbeat, having a fun little guitar riff before leading into the chorus yet again. To close the song, the word "tonight" is repeated, which actually fits extremely well and ends the song on an energetic note.
Rating : 10/10
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Oh Darling!
Starting with a soft bit of vocals, this song kicks off with a very interesting bass line. The chorus holds a loud shout of "Oh my darling!" which seems to be the actual highlight of the complete song. This and the seemingly unique bass sound carry this song, otherwise nothing special really exists within it. Also another single of theirs.
Rating : 6/10
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Wake Up
A few soft chords are played here, until Andersson's vocals come in. From the get-go, it is very apparent this is the most downbeat song so far. All the instruments seem to harmonize well in the chorus, where the most energy can be found, but it is not long lasted. The verses are not necessarily bad, but this song seems to make you anticipate the chorus constantly. A slow and short guitar solo can also be heard after the second chorus, which adds nice effect.
Rating : 6/10
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That's What They Do
By far, this is my favorite song on the CD, yet it happens to be one of the softest. The fact is the chorus is beautifully executed, with Andersson singing one part while background vocals wonderfully fill the gaps. This makes for nearly a dreamy feel with the song, making it immensely relaxing. This also showcases the first actual guitar solo on the CD, only adding to the emotion of it. Andersson seems to add a sort of urgency near the end of the song with her vocals, and it fits perfectly. In my opinion, this song is genius and never gets old.
Rating : 10/10
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Impressed By Me
A rolling guitar intro begins this song, picking up the energy level. Andersson seems to be further away for the first verse of this song. The chorus is quick and catchy, as Hotnights seems to perform well. This is one of those songs that achieves the effect of making you want to just get up and dance.
Rating : 8/10
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Kicks
Both guitars come in for the beginning of this song and although they're different, they blend well. The chorus reaches a plateau through the use of background vocals and Andersson's versatile voice. Lyrically, this song also shines, only further improved by the wonderful vocal performance. The song ends very abruptly, but it does not actually damage the mood in any way.
Rating : 8/10
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Too Cold For You
A moderate amount of energy starts the song and basically stays steady within except towards the end. This chorus contains some of the most memorable words, "And I felt so good while making you sad/'Cause you looked so good when you were sad/And we always knew I was too cold for you." Simple, but the way it is performed makes it seem better than what it does in black and white.
Rating : 9/10
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I Know Exactly What To Do
This song begins with what seems like heavy breathing and then is pushed into the background during the verses. Even though this song may be the slowest on the CD, it doesn't lose any of its musical interity, proving this band can play both fast and slow well. A small whistling bit in the middle of the song adds more depth to the song, although somehow giving it an odd western type feel. The song ends with the same breathing in which it began.
Rating : 7/10
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Our Very Own
A simple strumming pattern starts this song off, along with a good hint of background vocals repeat some of the lines Andersson sings. The title of the album can be heard here right before the song picks up just a little and actually seems to be the focal part of the song. This song sums up the CD well : It has a catchy chorus, it has slower parts, it has more energetic parts, and the background vocals greatly add to the effect of the whole thing. A good way to close the CD.
Rating : 9/10
Overall Rating : 8/10 or 4/5
The whole CD maintains a very positive feel and throughout most of it is very energetic, although the downbeat songs do not worsen the CD whatsoever but instead add volume and texture to the album. For a first attempt, this holds to be truly an amazing accomplishment by a seemingly talented group of girls. Very recommended.
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If you only wish to download certain songs, I suggest :
Quite A Feeling
Drive Dead Slow
That's What They Do
Our Very Own
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This is my first review so any comments, suggestions, or critiques are welcome.
