Glitter Box
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
An outfit spearheaded by Chris Williams, who wanted to channel his inner ‘70s heroes, as The High 70s he brings along Princess Frank (drums) and LJ Scott (guitar) for an often nostalgic listen that’s packed with energy and punk spirit.
The title track opens the listen with some low rumbling before a firm buzzing enters a meshing of glam-rock, punk and garage rock, and “Manipulation” follows with thumping drums that align with both grit and melody in the moody alt-rock climate.
In the middle, “Astro Van” trims the pace back a bit but is no less impactful in its darker textures of early punk influences, while “Accidents Never Happen” recruits well timed female backing vocals amid the playful bass lines. “Freak House”, one of the album’s best, then weaves in and out of both tension and grace for a very diverse and memorable 5 minutes.
“Hemlock Girl” arrives near the end and hints at ‘90s alt-rock in all the best ways with its grungy, post-punk nods, and “Natural Selection” exits the listen with a stylish and retro delivery of glam, New Wave, and rebellious rock’n’roll undertones.
You’ll certainly recognize traces of Blondie, Joy Division and The Cramps within these tunes, which could never be a bad thing, as Williams and company deliver a very personal effort that’s often ominous, but still very accessible in a Bowie meets Iggy Pop sort of way.
Travels well with: Glaare- Your Hellbound Heart; Creux Lies- The Hearth