The Dead Copycats…the name alone provokes introspection and perhaps a few assumptions. What I get from it is that the band is trying to convey the fact that the idea of being an act that is copying someone else is dead in their estimation. With the exception of doing a fine job of covering the Led Zeppelin track “Since I’ve Been Loving You”, they live up to their name in my assessment, if in fact the interpretation fits. Either way it does not matter, I like this band.
On their self-titled debut Jessica Braun (vocals), Will Rossano (guitar), Angela Webster (drums), and Jay Foote (bass) put together a forceful and emotive statement on their debut.
Jessica is dripping with sexy overtones and feeling on every song (note “Alone” and “Pleading” for instance) while the band behind her takes the nod and supports her at every twist and turn that the lyrics have to offer. Rossano plays some very quick snappy runs on his six-string, nothing complicated mind you, it is simple straight ahead no crap rock ‘n’ roll that suits the vocalist just fine thank you. Webster and Foote follow that lead on the bottom end producing a solid framework to build everything on. It all comes together quite nicely for these Dead Copycats and their exciting rock music. It is not mainstream music by any stretch of the imagination, call it what you will, indie rock, alternative rock, whatever, I found it unsullied and appealing.
Now how about that cover? What can I say? ummm…very colorful and not too sure what it is supposed to mean but ‘nuff said, I guess the band can answer that question so defer any inquiries to them por favor.
Bands like the Dead Copycats offer listeners an alternative to major label glossy pin ups and American Idol like rubbish. This listener appreciates that kind of relief. They are in the U.S. and right in NYC and they have it going on if you like to rock! This is the kind of talent that audiences wanting to hear the latest indie bands will snap up like candy off the shelf. Check them out.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
January 14, 2009
©MuzikReviews.com
The first thing you’ll hear when the track starts spinning is a clean vocal semi-solo followed by the deep, rough march of the band. The Dead Copycats know how to rock.
Throughout the album bar a few songs, the band adversely contrasts their singer Jessica Braun. This becomes most clear in the postlude of Fork in the Road (track five) whose fast paced, beat heavy rhythm is paired with a soft, affectionate vocal solo. Jessica’s voice, although energized is way too precise; too clean when pit against the raw rock sound the band tends to embrace. I say tend because although short (29:26) this album lacks a consistent sound. They oscillate between a harder alternative tone and more traditional rock with a little bit of blues stuck in the pot. I appreciate the variance but it just doesn’t seem to work for this group. They may have taken themselves out of their own realm in playing a wide spectrum, which leaves them a couple notches behind kicking ass.
The Dead Copycats softer tracks were the ones I enjoyed the most. It was here the band came together. The guitar solo’s emotion was right in line with the song’s spirit and it was pleasant to listen to.
The Dead Copycats are on my watch list. I can see a lot of good peculiarities that need to be more explicit and give this band the unique modern sound with clear rock and blues roots it capable of. Until then, I can’t say I would recommend this album off-hand to a friend. They have my attention though, and I am curious. These guys are touring New England in the spring of 2009 and I will definitely check out a show and see what they can do live. I have a suspicion that a lot of the band’s insecurity may come from inexperience in the studio. It wouldn’t be the first time a studio album didn’t live up to a band’s live show.
Brad Crescendo-MuzikReviews.com Contributor
January 18, 2009
