Bralalalala

Well Come To The Galaxy

(c)1997 Reserved

Review by Vladimir Levin

Thanks to the band for the CD

Bralalalala is a band originally from Haight-Asbury street in San Fransisco, "where the Christian cops walk up and down harassing peaceful people every day". Bralalalala was founded in early 1996 and has now been transplanted to Holland because of an upcoming tour and a marketing deal with Cold Front/Bertus.

Bralalalala presents a somewhat unusual and offbeat image for a heavy band, with the logo carelessly scribbled in a childish scrawl framed by a curly cloud shape - not the usual intricate symmetrical monstrosities we see among black and death metal band logos! The band's lead singer appears on the front cover of the CD dressed in drag wearing a corset, high-heels and a police cap. The odd name of the band is explained in an interview that TOC received with the CD as being "a good name because it reflects my inspiration, also to be open, fun and positive."

The music itself is, somewhat disappointingly, less innovative than anticipated. All the songs are very similar, with somewhat hoarse, high-pitched vocals and jumpy, rapid-fire guitar work. My overall impression of the album is jittery speed influenced by punk and 80's metal - Judas Priest, Beastie Boys, Twisted Sister. The dominance of the high end, with little or no bass presence, and the repetitiveness of the songs tends to wear on one's nerves. Still, it's not all that bad, with some engaging riffs and consistent playing throughout. I'd suggest these fellas would be a fun band to listen to live -- they seem to have a lot of enthusiasm and a positive attitude -- but that this studio effort lacks sufficient energy to really stand out. A stronger empahsis on production quality would also improve this CD a great deal. All in all, "Well Come To The Galaxy" is neither a bad nor an especially inspired effort.

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