WOMEN AND CARROTS Ð The Perfect Lovers (Perfect Lovers)
Any band calling itself The Perfect Lovers has to be French, and so it rings true, albeit via Noumea. If living in an island paradise doesnÕt sound conducive to great rock and roll, think again. This five-tracker is a killer.

ThereÕs obviously a cult of leather-wearing, would-be Detroit rockers living among the palm trees. Dedications to Rob Younger, Radio Birdman, the New Christs and Citadel RecordsÕ John Needham litter the liner notes, and the centrepiece is a blistering, if faithful, cover of "I-94". Word has it that a band member even made it to Australia for the 2002 Radios shows, so these boys are keen.

Leading the charge is some absolutely toxic guitarwork from the enigmatically-named Eddy G., who cuts a swathe through all five tunes. "Big Dick(Ôs Watching You)" lives by a wonderful repetitive riff, mixed right up high, while "Taliban Pussy" stretches into Scientists territory with a solid groove and hypnotic guitar drone that descends into mania. "Airport Murder" recalls the New Christs with some frenzied Kent Steedman-styled lead guitar. Of the rest of the band, vocalist Pollux forces the issue a few times but does a reasonable job. No reservations about the engine room, with Tony G. formidable on drums.

"I-94" is the closer and although it lacks the surf tones of the original version, it does well enough for these ears. The Perfect Lovers more than meet the mark on these five songs. If you ask them nicely, they might sell you a copy. Ð The Barman





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