Just as the word 'Brighton' appears on the ends of a Brighton Rock no matter where you break it, if Brighton rockers McQueen's were a stick it would perhaps say 'lean, clean, punchy Rock n' Roll a la Foo Fighters or QOTSA'. Assuming it was a big piece of candy.
Which is no accident as all-girl trio McQueen's second single, RUNNING OUT OF THINGS TO SAY is mixed by QOTSA's producer Joe Barresi and bears all the hallmarks of their particular brand of heavy American Rn'R. It's a bit too airbrushed for this reviewers taste - I prefer my all girl guitar bands to be a bit rougher around the edges i.e. - Sleater-Kinney, Mr. Airplane Man, 5678's. But personal taste aside 'Running Out of Things to Say' IS a fine rumbling juggernaut of a tune - catchy and concise with a healthy head-banging quotient and a good energy release chorus - McQueen should go down a storm in the US.
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The second song on the single LIFE SUPPORT ICU is less impressive however; a bit too similar in tone to the preceding track and it gives the impression that listening to an album of this stuff could be wearisome. Not sure about the pushing a big boulder up a hill vocals either. Reminded me of Bruce's nadir, over-emoting in 'We Are the World'. Not a good thing.
But McQueen can certainly go places - they do what they do well and there is definitely an audience for it.
So, let me tell you about Suzi Quatro. Now there was a lady who could rock out...
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