FAMOUS - review added 9th February 2009
Album Review: All The Wicked (2005)
For fans of: alternative metal... and band names you'll struggle to look up on Google
All The Wicked was initially released in 2005. Sadly Rock Realms didn't exist then so, as the band are touring the UK this summer, we've decided to pay the album a visit and see what Famous are all about.
The band consists of Ben Phillips on guitars and vocals, Mark Damon on bass and vocals, and Jamie Perkins on drums. There is nothing exceptional in their performances, but you couldn't accuse them of lacking talent - far from it. This is a solid sounding group with a well executed style and a big wheelbarrow full of writing talent.
That style is a mix of Chili Peppers and modern alt-rock with hints of grunge thrown into the mix. All The Wicked is surprisingly heavy, in places it chugs like a steam train heading up a steep hill. The funk element rears its throb-tastic head throughout the album and works as a clever counterpoint to the down tuned riffs and power chords.
'Black Hole' is a great start to the album. The riffs are dirty and sleazy, even the singing has a filthy edge. The chorus is memorable and, to be honest, it's a song that should have seen significant chart action. Next up is the title track. Sounding like a combination of The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Queens Of The Stone Age, the vibe may be derivative but the end result is fantastic.
'Heaven Will Come' is a monster of a track with teeth, claws and a big whip-like tail covered in spikes. If the chorus was any bigger it would explode and send green slime over everyone. 'Waiting In Hell' is almost the other extreme. A slow plodding number, it should be awful but is actually one of the best on the album.
All The Wicked is a wonderful album with numerous memorable moments. It's hard to know why the band didn't hit the huge time on the back of this. Although it's cheesy to say so, they definitely deserve to be Famous!
Check out... The fat bass in 'Only 15'.
Track List:
1. Black Hole
2. All The Wicked
3. Today I'm Gonna Kill The World
4. Heaven Will Come
5. Waiting In Hell
6. Take Me Out
7. What She Doesn't Know
8. Only 15
9. Give Me Your Soul
Label: Burning Records
Artist's websites: Famous , MySpace
