Album review

Viva Le Pink

London Crawlin'

added: 30 Oct 2012 // release date: 29 Oct 2012 // label: Diablo Records
reviewer: Claudia A

The devil is a woman who prefers wearing pink garb to Prada. Oh, she also happens to see pink elephants, goes by the moniker of Missy Le Pink and plays hellish good music!

The artist formerly known as Kiria has reinvented herself as Missy Le Pink, and with her brand new outfit called Viva Le Pink has just dished out one hot EP called ‘London Crawlin’ - containing three dangerous sizzlers in the best psychobilly/rockabilly tradition.
For this debut EP, Missy (vox/Gretsch White Falcon guitar) teamed up especially with The Klingonz Phil Doyle (double bass) and The Specials/Gallon Drunk’s own Terry Edwards (howlin’ horns). Plus, We have Andy on lead guitar, Jamal on drums and Joe Grogan on backing vocals. Did I mention that Phil Doyle is also responsible for recording, producing and mixing the EP? Now I have! That’s pretty impressive as far as any debut fare is concerned, and if I say so myself.

The first track, aptly titled ‘Hell Kitty’ was written by Missy herself and is proof that talent galore runs through this pink vixen. Here, she sings of lipstick laced with Novocaine and other delights. Fast and with a driving beat, this is psychobilly performed to purrfection. Think of a more sophisticated and slightly more restrained version of Mad Marge & The Stonecutters, it’s that kind of vibe.

Track two (also written by Missy) is the self-explanatory ‘Queen O’ Jack’ - a number that touches on more roots-orientated rockabilly, albeit with a real feel for soulful swing mixed in. Missy’s voice takes on a somewhat sweeter tone than on ‘Hell Kitty’ and it works well. Each and every instrument blends to skilful harmony here. Really love the wit of the lyrics here. Poor Kitty laments that daddy never bought her no pony and mommy never taught her how to walk… but eventually she finds her king of nothing, so she can be his queen of jack. Fabulous!

‘Pink Elephants’ was a hit in the late 50’s for Wally Willette & The Polk Brothers (Willette also penned the song). Suffice to say, Viva Le Pink have cranked up this number about demon booze considerably and to great effect. Being drunk and hallucinating rarely feels that much fun, while the sax interlude feels inspired.

Viva Le Pink play their first full headline show at Camden‘s Black Heart on November 23rd, and after that they’ll announce further dates to coincide with ‘London Crawlin’s’ extended vinyl release on Feb 14th 2013. Errrr, do I see a lot of pink hearts coming up?

Meanwhile, get your asses down to the Black Heart on Nov. 23rd, where you can enjoy a rose-tint live-set by Missy and band. And perhaps purchase a bottle of her famous tattoo tonic – who knows!

(www.missylepink.co.uk)

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