Batusis

Ladies and Gents, I invite you to enter the rockin’ hot and batastic-fantastic world of Batusis, the musical collaboration of two of punk rocks’ most prolific icons: exuberant guitarist Sylvain Sylvain of the legendary New York Dolls and Cheetah Chrome of punk-rock band Rocket From The Tombs (as well as the later Dead Boys).

So what else is Batusis? In plain English, it is Sylvain’s and Cheetah’s new super-group. Yes, you heard me!
And here’s some additional info for the more inquisitive Music-News readers: the Batusi was a go-go dance invented for the 60’s TV-series Batman and is a pun on the then popular dance called Watusi (feel free to check on Wikipedia as to how the Batusi is performed).
Back to the music and the self-titled EP.

Sharing guitar duties and taking turns on lead vocals, the dynamic duo (I’m talking Cheetah and Sylvain) have churned out four tracks that are loud, crude, witty and deeply steeped in rock n’ roll, albeit with an added dash of raw glam and a modern twist to it all.

The instrumental opening track, 'Blues’ Theme, is actually a cover version originally performed by Davie Allan and the Arrows for Roger Corman’s 60’s biker flick The Wild Angels, in which everyone’s favourite tune-in/drop-out star Peter Fonda played a character called Heavenly Blues. Suffice to say, the tune has much of a 60’s feel to it.

The standout track is 'What You Lack In Brains’, featuring hilariously acid-laced lyrics belted out by Sylvain ('Long legs, short skirt, close your eyes baby, it’s gonna hurt. What you lack in brains, you got it in looks,.'). It might seem terribly misogynistic but is no doubt meant tongue-in-cheek (or tongue wherever). It also features a wickedly bluesy piano play by Syl and some Stones-like guitar riffs. What a scorcher!

Next is 'Bury You Alive’ and it is Cheetah’s turn to take over the vocals. As one might expect, the mood here is altogether more punky and spiked with a dark edge. Nonetheless, it sounds just as punchy and energetic, only different.

The last number, 'Big Cat Stomp’, is another instrumental tune and a fitting homage to Cat Woman (if that was the intention). Once again, speedy guitar riffs and a stomping beat – no pun intended – make for great track to move and groove to.
Let’s hope that a full album will follow soon!

The 4-track EP also features Enzo Penizzotto on bass and Thommy Price on drums – the driving rhythm section for none other than Joan Jett and The Blackhearts. Ken Koomer (Emmylou Harris, Steve Earl) is responsible for producing the album, while sound-engineer Charlie Brocco (George Harrison, Fleetwood Mac) contributed to the overall excellence.

The debut recordings will be released on collectable multi-coloured vinyl, with eco-friendly recycled content jacket and full-colour two-sided insert. It’s also available as CD and digital download. So if you can’t get a ticket to Gotham City, do yourself a favour and get your Batusis fix online or in a music store near you.

Check out Batusis on: www.myspace.com/batusis