Newlydeads - Dead End
Label: Cleopatra Records
Rating: 
Release Date: May 29, 2001
 

"From head to toe with a leopard print, she's my killer pussycat.'" -- Lipstick

It's almost unfortunate that 80's glam frontman Taime Downe has resurrected Faster Pussycat, as it is obvious that his Newlydeads project is where his real passion lies. With the opening intro, you can see that he's still sleazy, but much darker. Have you ever liked a CD on the strength of one song? I usually don't, but the lead track, "Lipstick," just knocks me on my ass. Great hooks, great energy, great, vibe. However, the rest of the CD has been outstaged by this track. What remains is still highly listenable; After all, Downe is one of a very select bunch from the hair-band era that has moved on to more modern music without coming off as a poseur.

For those who aren't familiar with the Newlydeads, their music is a believable mix of Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails, and Rob Zombie. There's still melody and hooks, but at times the image can hide that from those who don't want to look for it. If you are one of the many Faster Pussycat fans that thumb their nose to Taime's new direction, just think about how cool and innovative you thought "Body Thief" was when their final CD "Whipped!" came out. In a way, this music is a natural progression from that, which in my eyes makes Downe a pioneer, not a follower.

For those who already embrace the Newlydeads, this CD is a good follow-up, but not exactly better or worse than their self-titled debut (which is also set to be reissued through Cleopatra Records). "Lipstick" is by far the Newlydeads at their best, but perhaps the first album was more consistent. Recommended for fans of the first album, fans of goth / dark / aggressive rock, and select Faster Pussycat fans.
 

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