Search - Beautiful Creatures :: Deuce

Beautiful Creatures Bang Out Another Great CD

James Walsh | Mesa, Arizona United States | 12/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In 2001, a new metal band hit the scene with a different take on the whole concept of what heavy metal in the new millennium is all about. They were groove rock but not rap rock, they were melodic yet not overly pop, they had screaming vocals by a hair band singer, and blazing guitar solos that would make even Angus Young cream his pants. In other words, it kicked some serious ass and as a result, it was buried by the corporate machine to ensure the last few years of Kid Rock and Limp Bizkit's popularity because they clearly would be shown up by a band that actually does get it.

After the Warner Brothers/AOL merger, the promotion behind their self titled debut record was virtually swept under the carpet and the album, while receiving some air play, did not crack the surface of mainstream publicity as much as it should have.

That said, you can't stop metal and the boys are back in 2005 with their sophomore record properly titled "Deuce."

The landscape of music has changed some since 2001. Rap rock is out, Tylenol PM induced boring punk pop is in, and there is a very small movement of loud guitar driven metal that still gets attention such as Velvet Revolver and, though I'm not a fan, Shinedown. Needless to say, "Deuce" is more towards the latter.

As a matter of fact, a few songs are very Guns N' Roses/Velvet Revolver sounding such as Unforgiven. That is not a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination. It just illustrates that there is a movement going on out there that is getting very little attention. And why would it? We can't have Jimmy Eat World out back eating cardboard when the world finds out they are talentless hacks, can we?

What I like best about the record is the attitude. For a while there, confusing the hell out of true rockers everywhere, the rock attitude was "I hate my mommy" and "I think I'll cry even though I'm rich and married to a beautiful woman." That still is the case on radio pop rock today. That is NO the case on this record. And, this album's attitude is illustrated on the very first track, "Anyone." The lyrics to the chorus are, "I don't want to be just like anyone, I don't want to be just like you." Daring to be different? Can we still do that in rock 'n' roll?

The attitude continues with "Never." Cool effects are used on this song that for some reason remind me of a Lita Ford song though the title of that song escapes me.... It also reminds me a bit of Judas Priest's 1988 hit "Turbo Lover" in the effect. But, the song itself is very different than both before mentioned songs. This is mildly angry which is okay in moderation. I dig it because I think every true metal head has had a significant other try to change them out of their metal garb and their taste in music. Hell, this may as well be my theme song. Lyrics include, "I'll never do what you want me to do. I'll never be what you want me to be. I'll never be what you want to see."

"Straight to Hell" rocks. It's just a fast rocker that really hits the spot. The same can be said of "Superfly" though Superfly seems to have a little more kick behind it. I'll credit Jimmy Snuka for that... Shout out to my wrestling friends who actually got that one!

There is a softer side to the album as well. "I won't be the One" is a ballad which closes out the record. I don't care for this track all that much as it is just too weak and modern for my taste. Tommy Russell, the drummer, really earns his money on that cut... Not once does he hit a drum. In other words, it's like "Simple Kind of Man" that gets shoved down our throats which makes us ponder if Shinedown actually has a drummer or not.

But let not your heart be troubled. Most of the songs on this record are fantastic. My favorite? Well, thank you for asking! I dig "Freedom." It just has a great vibe to it and the lyrics kick my ass. "I am freedom, I last a lifetime. There's nothing like me, I'm one of a kind." I dig that!

Lets talk bottom line. Is the record good? The short answer is yes, it is very good. It's got great and diverse vocals from one of metal's unsung vocal heroes Joe Leste with great lyrics, musicianship, and killer guitar solos. Is it perfect? Honestly, it isn't. It's a great record but perhaps my ripe age of 24 is showing when I almost feel at some point in the record that the sound may have been even a little too heavy for me. Perhaps the drumless wonder that is "I Won't be the One" should've been placed somewhere towards the middle of the record to break the chaos for a second. It's wonderful but a little break from the madness would've made it perfect.

That said, I encourage those of you who like this record to also pick up Joe Leste's other band, Bang Tango's "Ready to Go." What a fantastic album that is. If you want the melodic rock with more ballads, that album is for you. I'm not sure which one I like better. But, I'm certainly sure I like "Deuce!""

THERES NO CRYING IN ROCK AND ROLL!!!!!!!!!!

wally gator | USA | 02/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some of you kids may still be stuck in that rut where I was just a few years ago. You know, where it sounds like the whole rock and roll scene is a bunch of pussies who do nothing but bitch and complain. I know, I know, it's tough out there, especially the Junior High kids who think they have heroes, until they realize that those heroes are a bunch of pole riders. WHAT? THERES NO CRYING IN ROCK AND ROLL! You know it, I know it... the music industry doesn't. Radio still pumps out mundane cry baby bands all the time. They pretty much own the airwaves, as they have for almost a decade. Who REALLY thinks this stuff is cool?

Now, kids... check these guys out BEAUTIFUL CREATURES. This album is the second from these guys, it is AWESOME, and you will NEVER hear it on the radio. This is straight up rock and roll, whiskey drinkin', metal driven rock and roll. Nobody's crying about how mommy was too hard on them. This is booze, chicks, partying late, and more booze. You cats think you can handle it? GREAT!

The first album (self titled) is completely pisser too! It was released in 2001 and also go ZERO recognition.. I think you will be as confused as me if you hear it.

This album (DEUCE) was released in the U.S last summer at which point I had already obtained a copy via a friend of mine who got in in Japan where it had already been out for months.. AND gets extensive radio play, so I've come to understand. What is wrong with this world?

If you like your rock a little hairy, but with a ton of balls, and a heavy sound for todays youth, you will not regret it. I sware, if people followed THIS direction, Rock and Roll would be on a whole new war path and ACE would surely be gettin' kicked all around. Until then, I guess we'll all keep going to psychiatrists and wondering why daddy didn't love us. Just don't write any more "rock" songs about it, please."

PREPARE FOR AN A** KICKIN'!

electric-gypsy | Virginia | 08/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"No other way to say it, this album rocks! What a rock-n-roll band is supposed to be. Combines the best of 80's metal and today's energy and growl - AWESOME! Great job guys! Two fingers & a thumb way up! -\__/"