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Rating: It is when the music hits you like a whip on the back, forcing you to hold your breath for interminable seconds, when time loses its meaning, when memory takes you away in an ecstatic exaltation in front of a stereo vibrating with sounds you thought you already knew completely, that you realize you are finally in the presence of something truly worthwhile.
The interest is immediately sparked by the enigmatic figure on the cover (the bust of a woman in a tank top and white briefs on a white background) and the intriguing name of the band: “She Wants Revenge”. Given these premises, despite the curiosity stimulated by graphics that more or less recall those used by Placebo, nothing seems to foreshadow the contents and musical quality of the work (between new wave and post-punk), so that, when you start playing it, the surprise doubles.
It feels like listening to the ultimate unbeatable word of the late '70s - early '80s English music scene. And yet, the CD spinning is the debut album of Justin Warfield and Adam Bravin (known as Adam12), the two LA-based DJs comprising the band.
The epiphany unfolds immediately with the first hypnotic song “Red Flags And Long Nights” where, after the long captivating intro, comes that shocking voice: Ian Curtis has returned to finish what he started. The magic continues with “These Things” on melancholy notes reminiscent of Paul Banks & Co. and isn’t even interrupted by the more lively “I Don’t Wanna Fall In Love”.
But inside there are not only the "inimitables of Manchester" (even though the penultimate song on the CD, “Tear You Apart”, both in terms of music and lyrics, unmistakably recalls the famous “Love Will Tear Us Apart”) or the guitar riffs and synthesizers so cherished by Interpol: there are also Bauhaus, The Cure, early New Order, and the best old-school Depeche Mode. And the fourth track, “Out Of Control”, could be sung by a young Dave Gahan, just like “Monologue” (perhaps a bit too close to hits such as “Behind The Wheel” or the more recent “The Sinner In Me”).
Somewhat more monotonous yet decidedly catchy tones appear in “Broken Promises For Broken Hearts”. And so, with the other single “Sister”, the obsessive tones and the tortured themes of the unparalleled Joy Division return.
After a short and delicate musical interlude with the eloquent title “Disconnect”, here is the last batch of tracks in a frantic qualitative crescendo culminating, after “Us”, “Someone Get Hurt”, and the aforementioned Curtis-like “Tear You Apart”, in the last track “She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not” with a paranoid-maniacal flavor starting with the title.
Those who accuse them of merely being epigones devoid of their own originality (even going so far as to label them a copy of Interpol, despite the arrangements more closely recalling The Faint), probably have not paid enough attention to this album released on January 30, which includes no less than four singles and gains full dignity in the unity of its structure: an analysis of the dynamics in interpersonal relationships between men and women. It transitions from infatuation to obsession, from beginning to end of the love story to fall back into obsession.
In conclusion: a remarkable work that, despite the evident links to such a formidable heritage, unquestionably manages to bring out its own innovative charge, standing out clearly on the horizon of a music scene crowded with myriads of diminutive shooting stars as noisy as they are evanescent.
To be savored and enjoyed in the tranquility of one's room.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
01 Red Flags and Long Nights (05:13)
Sick of trying to find a way inside
Sick and tired of all the after
Sick of trying to find a way to slide
Even though it always ends in laughter
It's never hard to tell when things are done
She looked into my eyes and the voice said run
She says that I'm a mess but it's alright
Whether it's two weeks, two years, or just tonight
You can occupy my every sigh
You can rent the space inside my mind
At least until the price becomes too high
I can find a reason that we should quit
I can find a reason to do it
I can find excuses for all my shit
She tells me just to work right through it
She's pretty, and I like her but she's too well
Cause I need red flags and long nights, and she can tell
It's not that it's my fault, it's just my style
Beginning with a look and then a smile
You can occupy my every sigh
You can rent the space inside my mind
At least until the price becomes too high
She don't need a thing, she don't need saving or a lay
She's got all her friends around, and you can hear them say
He's not into you, he's into the idea of
But little do they know that she's not through
You can occupy my every sigh
You can rent the space inside my mind
At least untill the price becomes too high
You can occupy my every sigh
You can rent the space inside my mind
At least untill the price becomes too high
02 These Things (05:16)
There is nothing to see here people keep moving on
Slowly their necks turn and then they're gone
No one cares when the show is done
Standing in line and its cold and you want to go
Remember a joke so you turn around
There is no one to listen so you laugh by yourself
I heard it's cold out, but her popsicle melts
She's in the bathroom, she pleasures herself
Says I'm a bad man, she's locking me out
It's cause of these things, it's cause of these things
Let make a fast plan, watch it burn to the ground
I try to whisper, so no one figures it out
I'm not a bad man, I'm just overwhelmed
It's cause of these things, it's cause of these things
The crowd on the street walks slowly, don't mind the rain
Lovers hold hands to numb the pain,
Gripping tightly to something that they will never own
And those by themselves by choice or by some reward
No mistakes only now you're bored
This is the time of your life but you just can't tell
I heard it's cold out, but her popsicle melts
She's in the bathroom, she pleasures herself
Says I'm a bad man, she's locking me out
It's cause of these things, it's cause of these things
03 I Don't Want to Fall in Love (03:42)
I would like to tell you, I would like to say
That I knew that this would happen
That things would go this way
But I cannot deceive you, this was never planned
I know that you're the right girl but do you think that I am the right man?
1...2...3...4,5,6,7,
Right face wrong time, she's sweet
(But I don't wanna fall in love)
Too late, so deep, better run cause
(But I don't wanna fall in love)
Can't sleep, can't eat, can't think straight
(I don't wanna)
You say it's not a problem, You say it's meant to be
But love is not an option, our love is never free
And things are not so easy, so cold and we've been burned
I know that I'll have regrets but that's the price of one more lesson learned
1..2..3...4,5,6,7,
Right face wrong time, she's sweet
(But I don't wanna fall in love)
Too late, so deep, better run cause
(But I don't wanna fall in love)
Can't sleep, can't eat, can't think straight
(I don't wanna)
Right face wrong time, she's sweet
(But I don't wanna fall in love)
Too late, so deep, better run cause
(I don't wanna fall in love)
Right face wrong time, she's sweet
(But I don't wanna fall in love)
Can't sleep, can't eat, can't think straight
(I don't wanna fall in love)
Right face wrong time, she's sweet
(But I don't wanna fall in love)
Too late, so deep, better run cause
(I don't wanna fall in love)
Right face wrong time, she's sweet
(But I don't wanna fall in love)
Can't sleep, can't eat, can't think straight
(I don't wanna, I don't wanna, I don't wanna)
04 Out of Control (03:40)
With her high heel against the wall
Kind of dancing, though not at all
She had stockings running up to her thigh
Snaps her fingers to keep the time
From the back of the room I saw her there
I said she wants to be alone and I shouldn't dare
But then she noticed me glance at her
I had no choice but to dance with her
The lights that move sideways and up and down
The beat takes you over and spins you round
Our hearts steady-beating, the sweat turns to cold
We're slaves to the DJ and out of control
I watched her feet move, her hips they sway
Does a hair flip then starts to say
Oh, my god, it's my favorite song
I pull her close and she sings along
We can't slow down even if we tried
If the record keeps spinning so will I
She likes disco and tastes like a tear
Tells me don't stop dancing and she's pulling me near
The lights that move sideways and up and down
The beat takes you over and spins you round
Our hearts steady-beating, the sweat turns to cold
We're slaves to the DJ and out of control
We've got nowhere to go, we've got nothing to prove
Instead of dancing alone, I should be dancing with you
This song is turning me on, the beat is doing me in
Or maybe it's only you, but either way, lets begin
We've got nowhere to go, we've got nothing to prove
Instead of dancing alone, I should be dancing with you
This song is turning me on, the beat is doing me in
Or maybe it's only you, but either way, lets begin
We've got nowhere to go, we've got nothing to prove
Instead of dancing alone, I should be dancing with you
This song is turning me on, the beat is doing me in
Or maybe it's only you, but either way, lets begin
The lights that move sideways and up and down
The beat takes you over and spins you round
Our hearts steady-beating, the sweat turns to cold
We're slaves to the DJ and out of control
The lights that move sideways and up and down
The beat takes you over and spins you round
Our hearts steady-beating, the sweat turns to cold
We're slaves to the DJ and out of control
05 Monologue (04:58)
Kissing a strange hand my city like street lamps fade
On the edge of an answer you way lust beginnings are made
Lover forgive me my guilt is my only crime
And I'll carry it round till it breaks me down every time
This is the time of night when the moonlight shines down
And we can reveal who we truly are
Within the darkest most depraved
Of joys
If you're afraid to say but you'd like to try
Just give me the safe word and take your hand
And smack me in the mouth
My love
From hunger you call and it falls upon the ears of faith
A half open mouth and the whole truth that no one would take
Pretend all you want you can cry to your hearts own beat
We will take love and swear upon the things that we just cant keep
This is the time of night when the moonlight shines down
And we can reveal who we truly are
Within the darkest most depraved
Of joys
If your afraid to say but you'd like to try
Just give me the safe word and take your hand
And smack me in the mouth
My love
This is the time of night when the moonlight shines down
And we can reveal who we truly are
Within the darkest most depraved
Of joys
If your afraid to say but you'd like to try
Just give me the safe word and take your hand
And smack me in the mouth
My love
06 Broken Promises for Broken Hearts (03:21)
Pay attention my love cause its over
At the tip of my tongue is the price you weren't willing to pay
Still this is something akin to a breakdown
And your impression of a woman supposed to be easy to see
That there'd be torn up photos and lonely nights
Cursing crying and drawn out fights
Make up sex and a brand new start
Broken promises for broken hearts
When you look back now was it special?
Or was it nothing but anecdote that you can tell now and then
I delude myself it was worth it
Even though from the beginning I could see exactly how it would end
That there'd be torn up photos and lonely nights
Cursing crying and drawn out fights
Make up sex and a brand new start
Broken promises for broken hearts
Torn up photos and lonely nights
Cursing crying and drawn out fights
Make up sex and a brand new start
Broken promises for broken hearts
I wanna wish you away, I wanna wish you away
I wanna wish you away, I wanna wish you away?
I wana kiss you away
Torn up photos and lonely nights
Cursing crying and drawn out fights
Make up sex and a brand new start
Broken promises for broken hearts
07 Sister (05:20)
She smelled like 2am
Took him back to her place
Where all the saints adorn the walls
Delivering her from grace
He knew he should leave
That this could only turn cold
She was a bad bad girl
So he told her so
Under the shadows of doubt
He had the whisper of lust
He said no touching tonight
She closed her eyes in his trust
She said tuck me in
He knew his judgment was sound
Still he pulled back the sheets
And said:
You better lie down cause the angels are watching
She closed her eyes and said quit the talking
You can hurt me do whatever you like
Her every word was in italics
As it would fall from her lips
The walls made of broken promises
He hoped this wouldn't be his
She said tell me what to do
He knew right then he was done
Feeling lonely and confused
He said:
You better lie down cause the angels are watching
She closed her eyes and said quit the talking
You can hurt me do whatever you like
So he said shut your mouth girl the angels are listening
She crossed herself now the moments are missing
You can hurt me do whatever you like
Glancing through the curtains
Questions on her tongue
She spoke in third person
And he had seen every one
Awkward and admitted
Said shut the door when you go
Perhaps he should have reconsidered (oh no)
When he said:
You better lie down cause the angels are watching
She closed her eyes and said quit the talking
You can hurt me do whatever you like
So he said shut your mouth girl the angels are listening
She crossed herself now the moments are missing
You can hurt me do whatever you like
You better lie down cause the angels are watching
She closed her eyes and said quit the talking
You can hurt me do whatever you like
So he said shut your mouth girl the angels are listening
She crossed herself now the moments are missing
You can hurt me do whatever you like
09 Us (04:25)
Late last night I was looking through pictures
Flooded with memories I lied on the floor
And spread them around me like friends at a party
There faces remind me of all that I've known
Still I can't forget all the hush who and why's
All the fiction and lies and the tears and the laughs
Take a walk through the past you and I hand in hand
As we looked at this thing called us
Late last night I was pacing the hallway
Reading the letters you'd signed x and o
I turned out the lights in the and imagined you with me
I tried my hardest to cry but it just wouldn't come
Still I can't forget all the hush who and why's
All the fiction and lies all the tears and the laughs
Take a walk through the past you and I hand in hand
As we look at this thing called us
All the hush who and why's
All the fiction and lies all the tears and the laughs
Take a walk through the past, you and I hand in hand
As we look at this thing called trust
10 Someone Must Get Hurt (04:50)
Please don't touch me
I've come to far to let you bring me down
He's thinks that I'm easy
But try as you might you can't have me now
These tedious dances
We run through but I've memorized them now
I quietly melt down
Ad consent to you if only just to bawl
As I stare through you and I stand quite still
And an alarm sounds just up the road
I can tell you'd like some company
But I can't fix you and you don't want me
I call for the witness
Present the facts right down to the little things
They say the heart is resilient
In black and white you swore there'd be no strings
I sneak out the back door
But the gavel strikes, and I can hear you cry
And the sound of my footsteps
This time there will be no long goodbye
As I stare through you and I stand quite still
And an alarm sounds just up the road
I can tell you'd like some sympathy
But I can't fix you and you don't want me
How can I trust you?
How could you need me now?
Its getting to be so cold
The decision is in that I won't break
You cant even run with our lives at stake
Well, someone must get hurt and it won't be me
The decision is in there will be no fight
It might sound cold but I know its right
Cause someone must get hurt and it won't be me
11 Tear You Apart (04:48)
Got a big plan, this mindset
Maybe its right
At the right place, and right time
Maybe tonight
And the whisper or handshake
Sending a sign
Wanna make out and kiss hard
Wait nevermind
Late night in passing
Mention it flip to her
Best friend, it's nothing
Maybe it slipped
But the slip turns to terror
And the crush to like
When she walked in he froze up
Leave it to fright
It's cute in a way
Till you cannot speak
And you leave to have a cigarette
Knees get weak
Escape was just a nod
And a casual wave
Obsessed about it
Heavy for the next two days
It's only just a crush
It'll go away
It's just like all the others
It'll go away
Or maybe this is danger
And you just don't know
You pray it all away
But it continues to grow
I want to hold you close
Skin pressed against me tight
Lie still, and close your eyes girl
So lovely, it feels so right
I want to hold you close
Soft breasts, beating heart
As I whisper in your ear
I want to fucking tear you apart
Then he walked up and told her
Thinking maybe it'd passed
And they talked and looked away a lot
Doing the dance
Her hand brushed up against his
She left it there
Told him how she felt
And then they locked in a stare
They took a step back, thought about it
What should they do?
Cause there's always repercussions
When you're dating in school
But their lips met
And reservations started to pass
Whether this was just an evening
Or a thing that would last
Either way he wanted her
And this was bad
Wanted to do things to her
It was making him crazy
Now a little crush
Turned into a like
And now he wants to grab her
By the hair and tell her
I want to hold you close
Skin pressed against me tight
Lie still, and close your eyes girl
So lovely, it feels so right
I want to hold you close
Soft breasts, beating heart
As I whisper in your ear
I want to fucking tear you apart
I want to hold you close
Skin pressed against me tight
Lie still, and close your eyes girl
So lovely, it feels so right
I want to hold you close
Soft breasts, beating heart
As I whisper in your ear
I want to fucking tear you apart
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Other reviews
By Daedal
She Wants Revenge doesn’t simply copy post-punk: the sound is decidedly 2000s, immersed in an urban darkness from a metropolitan psychosis.
'Tear You Apart' is eerie and vicious, a demonic heartbeat linking the early '80s with the new millennium.
