There's just something about rock 'n roll. From Bill Haley to today's stuff, the beat goes on. Corny? Sound like Casey Kasem? Sure. Sometimes it is a relief to get to hear some great stuff that is just straight ahead rock 'n roll. You can have your death rolls, your wild guitar, your technical prowess, but verse/chorus/verse, and straight-forward riffing still fire an arrow through this reviewer's heart. I really like a record in the vein of THE CULT's "Electric" and SUPAGROUP's self-titled disc, with songs hit you like a ton of bricks form start to finish.

BEAUTIFUL CREATURES claim that their name came from the fans. They call the pierced, tattooed rejects that come to their shows "Beautiful". Kinda makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, don't it? This is their second effort, the first being released on Warner Bros. Apparently the band was dropped by the Time/Warner merger. That's probably for the better, cuz WB probably wouldn't know what to do with something this good nowadays. BC did Ozzfest, they opened for KISS's reunion tour, they even filmed a live show for HBO! Think equal parts CULT, L.A. GUNS (early), JET, and BAD WIZARD, all shaken not stirred. How can you pass that up? When the music of "Anyone" starts, you realize that you are in for sonic ecstasy, a wall of riffage, complimented by the rock's greatest seasoning: a ton of pure attitude. BC sometimes reminds me of BANG TANGO, (remember them? Well, their singer, Joe Leste, spent time with them in the 80's!) with the crescendo of guitars complimenting the choruses, and the soulful vocals of Leste. Check out the screaming riff in "Superfly", and the the soaring choruses in "Brand New Day", for some prime examples. This is straight-up rock for everybody here, but the disc provides enough heaviness to appeal to the discerning listener. There are a couple of songs here that could even make pop radio, especially the ballady "Unforgiven". So buy this disc. And don't hate them because they're beautiful, just enjoy the ride.

- Murtaugh

OFFICIAL SITE: www.beautifulcreatures.net

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