Driving Mrs Satan: Popscotch

With a name like Driving Mrs Satan you immediately presume this London-Naples union would be a band of Metal Mutha's, but you'd be oh so wrong. Mostly...

So what's Driving Mrs Satan? Well on the evidence of the jauntily titled Popscotch I'd suggest Heavy Metal classics. Cover version of the likes of Motorhead, AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Slayer, Metallica and Faith No More all being in place. However as the album title alludes, Indie Pop music with a twist of Folk and Jazz is what's really in play here, with the versions created being excellently arranged, relaxed Pop workouts where strings, double bass, glockenspiel and the dreamy vocals of Claudia Sorvillo replace blazing guitars and stratosphere reaching vocals.

So this is a novelty album then? Well, if it wasn't for the fact that it is all done just so well, then you might think so. However the reality is that with the right push Driving Mrs Satan could well be huge with the unwashed masses who wouldn't know Black Sabbath's "Never Say Die", where melancholy whistling closes proceedings, from KT Tunstall, or Anthrax's "Caught In A Mosh", here recounted as an almost medieval chant and strum, with jazzy brass, from Bjork. However with the choices not only being the "expected" Metal classics, there's also the knowing nod of affection that having the smarts to cover tracks like "Killed By Death" by Motorhead, or "Battery" by Metallica, rather than say "Ace Of Spades" and "Enter Sandman" that will also draw those with stronger Metallic leanings to this excellently constructed vision. The trick comes from keeping these songs recognisable, while still being totally different to the originals and it is something Driving Mrs Satan do with admirable ease.

Possibly the only criticism of Popscotch is that while the time taken to reinterpret these songs is unquestionable, the same eye for detail hasn't quite been exercised when it comes to having enough variation from track to track. Everything being mid-paced to slow and reserved and polite. That said it does give the lyrics a chance to shine in a way that I'd suggest Maiden's "Two Minutes To Midnight" or the 'DC's "Hells Bells" never had in their original form, while the vocal display from Claudia is simply wonderful. This is a young lady with a breathy, sexy, seductive voice destined for fame, whether that be through Driving Mrs Satan or some other less quirky endeavour. If you don't believe me, sample the opening reworking of Helloween's "I Want Out" or the harmony goodness of the second Maiden contribution "Can I Play With Madness" to be captivated in a matter of seconds.

There's no doubt that some will immediately dismiss this release as a bit of pointless "fluff", but give it a chance and a good listen and you'll appreciate the opportunity to hear some great, favourite tracks in a way you never imagined. Even if you don't admit it in denim and leather clad company, you'll be back for more.

Track Listing
1. I Want Out
2. Battery
3. Killers
4. Caught In A Mosh
5. 2 Minutes To Midnight
6. Hells Bells
7. Can I Play With Madness
8. Never Say Die
9. Killed By Death
10. South Of Heaven
11. From Out Of Nowhere

Added: September 28th 2013
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Driving Mrs Satan Online
Hits: 2537
Language: english

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