Fireworks Magazine

(TAKEN FROM PRINT)

CD REVIEW

PROPHETS OF ADDICTION – ‘REUNITE THE SINNERS’ (Mighty/Target) HARD ROCK

For any musician attempting to emulate a certain “look”, the genre of Sleaze Rock is undoubtedly the most difficult look to successfully attain. Look too fit, clean cut or – the greatest cardinal sin – “well nourished” (cheekbones, dear) and the illusion is irrevocably lost. However, by pursuing the lifestyle choices that correspondingly lend themselves to a whip-thin physique and nocturnal pallor, one then runs the duel risk of musical degeneration and the real possibility of an early mortal bath. 
So, whilst fulfilling the requisite image on the cover of ‘Reunite The Sinners’, thankfully Prophets Of Addiction, on first impressions, also appear to have the full set of Sleaze chops to match their pouts, though I’d be flabbergasted if Messrs Marlborough and Martell didn’t have at least a part to play in cultivating vocalist Lesli Sanders’ impressively weathered croak… 
Opener ‘As We Fall’ combines a driving tempo reminiscent of The Cult with the attitude of Faster Pussycat, with almost festive-sounding chimes garnishing the bridge! The sinister ‘Welcome To The Show’ sweats menace, while the reflective ‘Kings And Queens’ (featuring a guest guitar solo from Poison’s CC DeVille) sees Sanders delivering an obviously knowing yet spookily reminiscent David Bowie impersonation, right down to his ‘Space Oddity’-influenced vocal phrasing.
‘Spare The Bullets’ lets the guitarists.indulge their inner New York Dolls, while the textured “Heart Of Mine’ has definite overtones of Finnish band HIM. The acoustic closer ‘Exist’ is the album’s standout number; bruised, regretful and as raw as a skinned knee, Sanders delivers a poignant ode to a long-departed love, enhanced further by the haunting piano and stirring strings on the track’s third and final minute; not though, I would gently suggest, one to listen to immediately alongside Johnny Cash’s cover of ‘Hurt’…
‘Reunite The Sinners’ will undoubtedly gain Prophets Of Addiction converts from fans of the aforementioned acts but, tellingly, it is at its best when stripped of its glitter.
Caesar Barton