Black Lipstick - Converted Thieves
(Peek-A-Boo)
Any discussion of Black Lipstick should begin with the requisite Velvet Underground comparisons because they will inevitably appear later if not addressed upfront. There's the backbeat stomp that characterized such VU classics as "Foggy Notion," powered in this group by female drummer Elizabeth Nottingham, using a more traditional drum kit than the one Ms. Tucker chose. There's also the sing-speak style of primary vocalist Phillip Niemeyer, whose delivery maintains a range of emotive inflection could put Mr. Reed to shame and is quite infectious as well. Then there's the understated axe-slinging of Travis Higdon, who isn't afraid to jeopardize his hearing by hunkering down in front of an amp and drawing out the most fuzzed-out feedback frenzies he can possibly muster, while still finding time to sing on several songs. Rounding out the four-piece is bassist Steve Garcia, whose analogous link involves replacing several departed members before him. Together these four musicians concoct an intoxicating elixir that tastes both fresh and familiar, borrowing from the VU-circa-'69 sound to make something all their own.
The brief intro to "Voodoo Economics" breaks away to reveal a steady walking gait with inspirational lyrics about what this band can do for you, including one of my favorite notes of encouragement: "When the winners of the world have kicked the shit out of you / We can kick that shit back in." Phillip and Travis share singing duties to great effect on "Serpentz," a tune about snaking another guy's gal. Travis adds melody lines during the verses that meld seamlessly with Steve's consistent bassline, while Beth's drumming transitions smoothly from one section of the track to the next. "Hot Sinners" features another head-nodding groove anchored by Beth's offbeat hi-hat work with Travis ripping along to Phillip's vocals on the bridge and piano notes decorating the whole song like cursive handwriting on a birthday cake. Vocal interplay is again a highlight on the track "Ease Back," with Beth responding to Phillip's calls about relationships while Travis and his guitar simmer just below the surface, a thick fuzz tone poking into the mix like a whack-a-mole game at the arcade. Travis takes lead vocals on "Corporate Happy Hour," presumably about rescuing friends from dead-end office jobs, as a piano line bangs along to the lively swagger of the twin guitar assault, especially tight in the one-note bridge. "Yesterday's Horoscope Was Right" has a sweet swing to it, with an overdriven guitar once again shadowing the singing and providing greater emphasis on the bouncy pace. Travis steps back to the mic on "Dirges Are Downers," another cut with delicate piano contributions that complement the separate melodic wanderings of the two guitarists. "The Memorial Day Miracle" begins by sounding like a ballad but quickly transforms into a towering yet brief guitar anthem as the chiming tones swell and rise dramatically. But the real highlight of the record is by far the epic "Texas Woman," an extended jam built around a simple two-chord progression that couldn't be any more powerful in its elegant simplicity. When Phillip wraps up his vocal obligations three minutes in, all bets are off as Travis starts socking some sick and searing licks out of his instrument, pushing the intensity levels up along with the volume. And just when you think the pinnacle has been attained, the chords start up once more, a second round of solos between Travis and Phillip follow, and Beth accents the chaos with stop-time cracks on the snare. If that sequence alone is any indication of what their live show could be like, their upcoming summer tour will undoubtedly turn heads and make a few witnesses out of the non-believers. "Self-Centered & Determined" is a low-key tune that closes with perhaps the most sublime moment on the album, as gentle piano notes embellish a quiet bass and guitar passage before slipping away. After a brief moment of silence, the bonus track begins, cleverly entitled "Bonus Tracks." Travis leads the way with another upbeat ditty that neatly joins guitar and piano over a foot-tapping tempo, bringing the record to its proper close with one last tasty riff at the end.
As the Peek-a-Boo Records website proudly proclaims, "This is one for the Jeeps." Whether it's the definitive soundtrack to summer or, at the very least, the fitting backdrop to a legendary week-long party at your best friend's parents' vacated summer house, Black Lipstick will not only get the party started, they will let the good times roll. Hell, they might even drink you under the table. But more importantly, they put the fun back in rock-n-roll, and that's something that's been sorely missing from music for far too long now. Indulge your youthful exuberance and find yourself dancing until dawn!
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