Sublime, Sexy and Innovative
Kicking off with a tune that synthesises the electro menace of JJ72 and aching drawl of Brian Molko with added guitar riffs that will have you drooling in no time, Gliss are off to a great start with a compulsive debut.
There's something here for everyone who could call themselves a rock or electro fan; 'Huh What?' sounds like a BRMC, with crushing riffs definitely on the agenda so be prepared to feel the swaggering vibes pulse through your bones. 'Innocent Eyes' is something of a breathless climax with vocals full of wild abandon, panting electro fuzz and throbbing beats. One thing that Gliss do well is excite with every tune proffering a rhythm that could swipe you off your feet, but each has its own unique kick that keeps it fresh. 'Kissing The Blvd' is a high point; a crisp stunner with a riled-up verse that seems to come straight from the urban streets described, until a lush, psychedelic chorus kicks in, like a well-needed hit dispelling the heady tension that pulls you into its vacuous emotional ache.
'Falling To Pieces' features a see-sawing guitar melody that catches out the pirouetting vocals; it's a cute number that would be twee, if it didn't feel so immediate. Meanwhile 'Make Believe' has a burning 70's riff that's unleashed into a warped electro sonic swirl during mesmeric choruses; think Sonic Youth's raw trickery and curtains of effects with a princely rock swagger and you're half way there.
If you're prepared to get intimate (the vocals are so high in the mix that every breath creeps down your spine), then Gliss are prepared to invite you into their psychedelic rock n'roll playground. 'Love The Virgins' is a sublime cacophony of rough rock beats and trance-like waves of synth sound that will knock all the generic chart fodder for six with its shuddering melodies. Oh, and be sure not to miss the tantalisingly and creepy bonus track that lingers on the end of the album with distorted and deranged echoing vocals and a beat that literally thuds in your ears.