The history of Spiders & Snakes is more famous than their music. Guitarist Lizzie Grey formed the band London along with Nikki Sixx. In the 80's London was rock star training school for the likes of Slash, Izzy Stradlin and Fred Coury. Timothy Jay later joined London, but the two left London to form Ultrapop, which later became
Spiders and Snakes.
Because of their history
Spiders and Snakes has gotten lots of publicity including a strong presence in the excellent "Hollywood Rocks" book/boxset. With the latest release "Melodrama" everything comes full circle, since the opening track
Fear Of Flying originally appeared on the band's 1992 release 'Arachno II'.
The album opens strongly with an instrumental title track followed by the fast paced
Friends Like You. Lizzie Grey and Timothy Jay split vocals. When the two harmonize they create their own unique sound.
Spiders and Snakes builds bridge between 70´s Glam Rock and 80´s Hard Rock. Despite London giving birth to lots of 80's Rock stars,
Spiders and Snakes sound is rooted in 70's Glam Rock with only a squeeze of 80's Sunset Strip Glam Metal. The emotional
The Way has a special atmosphere alike 70´s theatrical rock.
The Way brings resemblance of
Alice Cooper "Welcome to my Nightmare" and the guitar sound is very alike that specific Cooper album.
The last half of the album looses a bit pace. The short cover version
Dream A Little Dream leads to the up-tempo
Cheap Trick inspired
Shoot Me Down - written and sung by bassist Phil St. Vincent.
Yesterday's Hero gets a bit too cheesy.
The ballad
Another Lonely Day displays the soft side of
Spiders and Snakes and it's among the best songs on the last part of the record. The album also ends with a ballad -
Forever, which is a 70´s alike multi faced ballad.
"Melodrama" comes with a bonus DVD.
Spiders and Snakes recorded live at the Key Club and also an interview with Lizzie Grey and Timothy Jay.
Spider and Snakes has often been categorized as true survivors on the Hollywood scene. The description fits and honors the band perfect. These guys are in it for the love of music.
"Melodrama" is the strongest record yet from
Spiders and Snakes. Check it out!
Written by
Michael Friday, January 4, 2008
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