Juliette And The Licks - Four on the Floor Album Review

Juliette And The Licks
Four on the Floor
Album Review

When The Licks first appeared, people were understandably sceptical, given the history of awful attempts by actors to break into music, Steven Seagal, Keanu Reeves, Russell Crowe, and, yes, David Hasselhoff are just a few examples. But Juliette Lewis has what none of those wooden tops had or will ever have, passion.

Sure, the songs are a little shaky at times, but there is real fire in the sleazy workouts on their second LP Four on the Floor. "Hot Kiss" and "Sticky Honey" are winners, with big old punk rock guitars and Dave Grohl's trademark pummelling beats driving them forward. "Death of a Whore" is worthy of a Tarantino movie with dusty guitars and Lewis' guttural howls making it an early highlight.

Of course, it's far from perfect, "Get Up" veers dangerously close to Bryan Adams soft-rock territory, and "Mindful of Daggers" aims for a new wave sound but falls wide of the mark. It seems The Licks are at their strongest when going for ballsy, full-on, Stooges-style rock.

So, for anyone who would avoid them just because of their Hollywood front woman, fear not, The Licks are no Wicked Wisdom, and their latest record will leave you pleasantly surprised.

Ben Davis