Betty Blowtorch
Are you Man Enough?

THE REVIEW

There is no safer way to become a legend for posterity than dying young. This was the case for Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Freddie Mercury, and Kurt Cobain...

Sometimes, a good dose of luck is needed as well to die at the peak of one's success; unfortunately, this was not the case for Bianca Butthole, bassist and leader of the American Betty Blowtorch. A car accident after a concert permanently ended the career of a rising star in the US hard-rock scene, and nothing will ever restore the adrenaline rush that the notes of one of the most talented all-female bands could deliver with a few, simple chords.

"Are You Man Enough?" is certainly the most representative work of this all-female combo. Excluding the EP "Get Off" and the posthumous collection "Last Call," we can safely say that the band's artistic essence is encapsulated in these fabulous 15 tracks. As granite and powerful as necessary, Betty Blowtorch could really stand up to much more renowned bands in the hard-rock scene thanks to hits with sure impact like the opener "Hell on Wheels," the single "Love/Hate," the engaging "I Wanna Be Your Sucker," and the ironic "Frankie." Lyrics bordering on the grotesque (often with ironic references to high school days and first loves), but seasoned with good melodic solutions and guitar solos worthy of the most inspired Angus Young, made Betty Blowtorch's proposition appealing to all nostalgics of the good old street and glam of the '80s.

A band unfortunately unknown to most, but with a bit of advertising and word of mouth, it can certainly enter the hearts of many. Personally, I fell in love at first listen, thanks to catchy melodies and the charisma of the four girls. If you are looking for new emotions, turn your attention to this band... you won't be disappointed!