Some people still smile a little at Italy's rock scene. On closer inspection, however, there are plenty of interesting and good bands which, while not always exceptionally original, provide entertaining listening with good albums. The latest example is BLOODY MARY, whose third album sets its direction with its very title, "Party Music For Graveyards". The band from near Milan treats us to laid-back goth 'n' roll of a kind you could hardly get better from the land of a thousand lakes or from the well-stocked German dark scene. THE 69 EYES, LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE, END OF GREEN and of course the elders SISTERS OF MERCY… they are the usual suspects whose influences make up the ingredients of the BLOODY MARY sound cocktail. The brew is seasoned with a gentle note of the catchier side of THE CURE. Not least because of a smoothness that comes across as commercial and part-time-goth-friendly, it seems unspectacular at first, but after a few listens "Party Music For Graveyards" develops more and more of a quirky charm. With good songs — Sobibor has real hit quality, and cool tracks such as Gettin' Older or the well-made RAMONES cover Pet Sematary are hardly inferior to it — and a refreshing light-heartedness, the gothic rockers win plenty of sympathy points. The entertaining disc is perfect for the next Halloween party.
First published in German; in English here. Where it appeared ↗