Some bands seem like they have it all figured out ahead of time, likesome grand plan or marketing package that can get them into the rightclubs or buyer segments. At first glance, Sluts of Trust had that feelto me: raunchy name for just enough controversy; odd publicity photoswith bygone era stylings; all the right indie rock credentials, likecoming from the right city with the right backing and having very fewmembers like the current band the kids are crazy for. As soon as themusic is heard, though, these appearance melt right away in therealization that Sluts of Trust are the real deal, a rock act withfire, talent, and a lot of moxy. The album opens with ferocity, a tightsound, and both laidback Scottish delivery and whooping with occasionalwails. The vocals tend to be faded in the mix a bit, like they weredelivered with a megaphone across the room from the microphone in thestudio, but they can still be understood. Then, inexplicably, at thebeginning of the second track, an explosive hair metal guitar lickgives way to an almost funk feel on "Piece of You." The song soarshigher and higher as the action builds, only to relax into the samegroove. John McFarlane's delivery is almost strained, like he's barelyholding it all in, and the instruments sound taxed by the forces thatdrive them. Sure, there's some comedy afoot ("Tighter Than the Night"is a great example), and the accent is almost purely indecipherable attimes or just thickly lathered on for effect. But even when McFarlanescreams "Might is right" or "I don't want pain, I want pleasure/We alltake the pain if it makes the pleasure better" it sounds sincereenough. "Dominoes" is a definite highlight, with plaintive vocals andgentle guitar breaking into a nice roll that approaches beauty althoughit never quite gets there. This is a band to watch with anticipation,for sure, and the niche they have found will easily provide them fodderfor years to come. Read More
