Sometimes a band has the right idea but the execution is just a little short of the mark. Such is the case with this band from Michigan. The female fronted Publik Parking will take you back to the days of Blondie with just a little bit of In This Moment thanks to lead singer Monica's screaming ability, but it is her normal singing voice and the bands disjointed songwriting that hampers the group.
While she has a decent voice, at times it sounds off key and other than in brief flashes, very ordinary. But, when she lets loose with her screaming, watch out! They just don't use it enough. When they do let her go, it is in a song that really is not all that interesting such as the rambling "Lose Control".
Really the best moments on the disc is when her lead guitarist Neiko takes over the microphone like on the very cool song "Breakdown". Neiko needs to take over more often as he has the touch needed for this type of music.
Monica does have a decent voice but for the most part it is not suited for the material they are playing. When they take a step back, into the world of 80's glam rock on songs like "Loathe", "Holy" and "Reason" Monica seems comfortable in this environment but by no means is she Deborah Harry. When they try to tackle the very metal stuff like "Claustrophobia" it comes off sounding weak. She would make a dynamite back-up to Neiko's vocals on the heavier stuff and her screaming ability would be a great emphasis to the music.
I have seen this band 3 or 4 times opening for various acts and I always get the feeling that they are trying to be something they are not. Seeing them open for In This Moment might have been the biggest mistake as the difference between those that can and those that want to become very apparent. Neiko… if you want to be a metal band, get out there and for God's sake, let us hear your dynamite voice! If you want to keep on with this female fronted attack, then find material better suited to her style. Many will like what they are doing but in today's market there is so many bands that do the same thing with the same style, it would benefit this group to try and break away from the pack! Quit trying to follow the rest and blaze a different direction. But, let the talent of Neiko lead the way.
I am a sucker for female fronted bands usually but the uninspiring music combined with the average vocals makes this an album that I tried really hard to like but could never find a reason to other than the dynamite song "Breakdown". There is hope for this band though and I think with a little direction they could get there.
Track listing:
1. Breakdown
2. Claustrophobia
3. Lose Control
4. Something
5. Everyday
6. Loathe
7. Reason
8. Almost Over
9. Chant
10. Holy
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