The latest musical troupe from former Vicious Hairy Mary (and weren't they an awesomely eccentric lot-Ed) head honcho/loony Michael Lira, Darth Vegas have seemingly relocated from another galaxy to Sydney, bringing with them a debut album that ís a total treat for the more ambitious listener.
With much in common with the musical stylings of Russian act Messer Chupps, Darth Vegas mix numerous genres as diverse as death metal, free jazz, surf rock and carnival music.
Essentially it ís the soundtrack for a cult B-grade sci-fi/horror/p**no film about an opium-addicted ghost falling in love with a nympho robot with four breasts, set against the backdrop of a war between a horde of vampire gypsies and surf≠loving ninjas from outer space.
Or something like that.
The album was recorded in just two six-hour sessions, indicating these are really talented musicians who know their craft. Itís just that they want to use their talent for evil purposes, not good.
The brass section of El Flamo and Johnny The Bard are top class, especially on "Bomb And The Snowman," while the saxophone and drum interplay between El Flamo and Alon Ill Scar during "Kowai-Go-Zero" is brilliant.
More eclectic than his previous act, Lira plays both bass and keyboards, filling out tunes such as "Nano Nano" nicely, while JCís guitar shifts between quaint and heavy as concrete on "Captain Terrific."
Describing each song aptly is virtually impossible, but with titles such as "Mephisto Mash," "Ghost Train," "It Came From Beyond," "Spook House," and "Revenge Of The Claw," rest assured it ís a wild and wacky ride.
And kudos to record label Valve for continuing to bring the weird and wonderful of music from around the world to local audiences.
If you're a fan of Mr. Bungle and the like, you should meet Darth Vegas, because this album is brilliant.
