Scary Cats
Smackaboom
Reviewed by Brett Kratzer
The thing that stands out most on this debut release from Scary Cats is the sheer audacity displayed by lead vocalist Steve McCallum. On a debut record it is surely tempting to find a safe, somewhat commercial sound and nab that ever-so-elusive record-buying public. Much like Dave Koval and his Breakfast mates, McCallum seems to thumb his proverbial nose at such a notion. Rather, McCallum and his Aussie bandmates choose to party and "Dance All Night," the closing number that will rock your house.
While Scary Cats are, for the most part playing music of days gone by—kind of a Joan Jett meets the B-52's—the music is really a good time. McCallum works well on lead guitar and also lead vocals. Robert J. Powell weaves a groovy bass line and Duncan Phillips is on drums. Scary Cats include two female vocalists which always works well for me! Nikki De La Haye and Sharon Jackson contribute effectively to the overall sound. Especially on "You Just Bring Me Down," they harmonize with McCallum to recall the legendary sound of The Runaways, Jett's junior all-girl band. Keyboard assistance is provided throughout the disc by Corey Pryor of the Newsboys. If you have seen Pryor, you have an idea of the energy level of this disc.
Lyrical content is for the most part a gut level approach to one's faith. "I Just Don't Get It" addresses Christian integrity, while my favorite cut, "I've Been Here," is an eerie little ballad that comments on the confusion even the best of us sometimes experience. It's with this song that McCallum shows the real promise of Scary Cats. The disc is surely a good time but this cut is one of substance. Other songs are not quite as profound, but hey, you're listening to rock & roll not reading C.S. Lewis.
Now that I have your attention, there are a couple of disappointments. First of all, I find the length of the disc offensive. Or is this an extended single dance mix? Also, the guitar lick in "Ain't In Love" sounds too familiar, like something from the Ric Ocasek catalog.
Other than that, this is a cool disc from a band that shows promise. For those dog days when ya just gotta crank the jams to eight or nine to retain sanity, Scary Cats will work. They just need to write longer songs. Let us dance.
2.5/5