SWEET SYBIL - review added 6th December 2010
Album Review: Sweet Sybil (self-titled) (2010)
For fans of: Sleaze Rock... and The early 1990s
Chicago act Sweet Sybil - Sami S. on vocals, Mike Parker and Brian Unger on guitars, Jeff Malas on bass, and Randy Matthiensen on drums - formed back in late 1988 under the name Fontalis (originally with a slightly different line-up). The band's better known name came about after the group entered a battle of the bands contest and the announcer mistakenly announced the band after the first song from their setlist - 'Sweet Sybil'. The band won, and the name stuck...
Opening for acts like Extreme, Alice in Chains, Enuff Z'Nuff, Dirty Looks, and King's X, the band gained a cult following in the few years they were around, and they recorded an EP plus numerous other cuts before permanently disbanding in late 1992. Not long after drummer Randy Matthiensen sadly passed away.
This self-titled release is a compilation of their finest moments, and arguably the album they would have made given the right financial backing, time and motivation.
The sound is a characterful take on late 1980s/early 1990s sleaze with rough'n'ready vocals, funky guitars, dirty rhythms and imperfect yet likeably adept production.
Good:
This is a real blast down memory lane. Compared to modern music the production is lacking, but it's not actually that bad, and if you close your eyes it really does take you back 20 years. The sound is a well judged take on sleaze without being over the top. The musicianship is actually really good, boasting some superb guitar playing.
Not So Good:
The songwriting isn't exactly first class. This is an album that sells on the performances, not the brilliance of the lyrics or melodies. The vocals don't always hit the top end quality-wise, but they are mostly enjoyable.
The Songs:
Best moments include the fun '#69', the heavy rocking 'Downtown Suicide', the even heavier 'Walkin' Talkin'', the sleaze-licious 'Jump Back', and the acoustic 'You and I'.
In Summation:
This is a nice retro release with plenty of charm. It doesn't compare with the best modern releases, or indeed the best albums from the time it was created, but it remains an easy release to recommend to fans of the period.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall:
Check out... 'Walkin' Talkin''.
Track List:
01. Remember When
02. #69
03. Downtown Suicide
04. Walkin' Talkin'
05. Someone in Your Eyes
06. Jump Back
07. Burning House
08. Alone With You
09. You and I
Label: Eonian Records
Artist's website(s): MySpace
