Despite their steampunk space wandering image being tailor made to turn both heads and stomachs in equal measure, it is something of a surprise that Sick ‘N’ Beautiful seem unwilling to translate some of their extraterrestrial creativity into a sound that, whilst delivering a sustained barrage of simple hard rock delights, is a somewhat familiar strain of heads down melodic bluster.
Indeed, beyond a smattering of quasi-futuristic bleeps and juddering electronics, ‘Element Of Sex’ turns in the sort of radio-friendly anthems which go lick for lick with the likes of Halestorm, the band casually tossing big pop hooks and blazing guitar solos our way in abundance, albeit with just enough charisma and personality to separate themselves from any notions of plagiarism.
However, looking past the space circus shtick and largely straightforward compositional approach, there is plenty to enjoy here, with the best moments revealed when the inter-galactic five piece embrace a rich vein of rock ‘n’ roll electricity. ‘New Witch 666’ bristles with a snotty, punk rock attitude, rampaging opener ‘Fire True’ showcases a dark, fiery metallic crunch and ‘Megalomaniacal’ evenly balances an irresistible three minutes of strut and stomp.
Some forays into ballad territory do hamper the records momentum somewhat, yet with a collection as bullish and focused as ‘Element Of Sex’, Sick ‘N’ Beautiful do more than enough to suggest that the promise displayed could evolve into something that sits that bit closer to the mainstream elite. A fun and likeable lesson in nailing the basics.
Tony Bliss 