Naughty Whispers: Addicted To Decadence

Any band calling themselves Naughty Whispers must be a glam band, musn't they? Well no and yes.

With Addicted To Decadence this Italian four-piece have basically reinvented themselves as an industrial/goth band that still shows the sounds of their past. A past that has included a full length album, Psycho, released some seven years ago that sat firmly in the glam camp. But then remember Pantera started out as a glam band and look at what they went on to become - so this metamorphosis can be done. However what Pantera had that Naughty Whispers don't, is a frontman capable of stripping paint from walls and a sound that steamrollered over any doubters who dared stand in its way. What Naughty Whispers do have, is a natty ability to combine much of what they used to hold dear, with a stinging line in melodies and commercial nous staying true, against a grittier heavier, modern sound. I can't lie, it won't be to everyone's taste and doesn't always come off in the way they'd hoped, but there are definite signs of a decent band trying to burst through here.

Vocalist Andy Star (all the stage names are remnants from the past as well...) has a snarly, snapping delivery that covers the spectrum from straight melodic singer, through to an almost gargling growl - although most of his time is spent in the realms of rasping roars. There's also a hint of accent about his voice, but actually in this style I find it more endearing than off putting. The recently departed guitarist Redox also gives a solid display, with thick riffs sticking in the mind and making for a set of songs that contain a strong mix of muscle and subtle. However in the end, whether it is "My Own Demise", "Eternal Demon" or "Welcome To My Nightmare", Naughty Whispers sound like a band in flux, still desperately trying to work out exactly who they are and what they want to sound like. In fairness, the more glam elements that still ease their way to the forefront of the NW sound offer up something a little more unusual, but alongside the bulging riffery and aggressive vocals, it all gets just a touch confused. Then when you add a cover of Cutting Crew's "(I Just) Died In Your Arms", a song I must admit to loving, it becomes hard with this mix of styles, to know if this version is loving homage, tongue in cheek japing, or an attempt at a cool reworking. In truth, while enjoyable it ends up as all three and none of the above.

It may sound harsh, but I can't help but think that a refocusing from their replacement guitarist, whoever that may end up being, and a change of name - and stage names - would do Naughty Whispers the world of good. In their current guise Addicted To Decadence is a habit all too easily kicked.

Track Listing
01. Addicted To Decadence
02. Welcome To My Nightmare
03. Damned Scratch
04. Into My Blood
05. My Own Demise
06. Eternal Demon
07. Poison White
08. From Lust Till Death
09. Everything's Not Lost
10. Venom In Me
11. Borderline
12. (I Just) Died In You Arms (Exclusive Digipack Bonus Track)

Added: December 7th 2012
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Naughty Whispers Online
Hits: 2362
Language: english

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