Record Review
August 12, 2008
Apparition! by Black Eyes and Neckties
One of my favorite bands of the last year or so has been Black Eyes and Neckties. A long time and die hard fan of Murder City Devils, whom BENt will forever be compared against, probably a bit unfairly, I was a bit wary hearing about someone who might be biting the style of Spencer Moody and co. I shouldn’t have been. They rock well and they rock hard.
There are quite a few similarities between BENt and MCD, that’s undeniable. What’s surprising, to me anyway, is how much I don’t care. Some how BENt is able to do MCD without seeming to copy them or tread on their legacy. The sound, the delivery the presentation is all somewhat similar and yet it’s also some how fresh and, well, pretty fuckin’ awesome.
Apparition! starts of strong and keeps going until it’s over. The tracks do tend to bleed together a bit, but it’s all good enough to keep interest. The sound, much like MCD who came before is a blend of garage rock, goth and punk. Complete with haunting organ and more than a few raging, almost metal, riffs.
They also put on a great live show, full of vim, vigor and chaotic energy. I highly recommend checking them out if you like your rock with a bit of spectacle. It’s quite a show that’s slightly disturbing and fairly amusing at the same time.
The Bottom Line
Black Eyes and Neckties are definitely worth checking out and Apparition! is a solid effort from front to back. If you’re into Murder City Devils and haven’t checked BENt because you’re wary, put your fears aside, my guess is you won’t be disappointed.
