Bath-based Independent Record Label Pale Wizard Records present a tribute to Alice Cooper's 1971 album 'Killer'. The shock rocker's fourth studio album proved to be an influential one on many successors because it proved to be a turning point for the band. 'Killer' was a statement of intent to the critics hung up on the band's theatrics and make-up.
The English based record label was formed in 2007 by friends Tim Hilleard and Dan Flitcroft. The duo picked eight of their best acts to sing on the album, including a cameo by Dan Flitcroft's Sergeant Thunderhoof. They wanted to pay a special tribute to their favourite artist, so they thought it would be a good opportunity with 'Killer'. The album was originally released on November 27th,1971.
Killer: 50 years later... features some upcoming acts from the world of hard rock, psychedelia, and the stoner underground putting their own spin on this legendary album.
London's Psychedelic Green Lung kicks off with a camp rendition of "Under My Wheels". The act put a glam rock touch on the track with searing keys and a sizzling solo. This cover feels more like a celebration of the star. Next up is Oxford's desert rockers' The Grand Mal, who add their own charisma and charm to "Be My Lover" Dan Flitcroft's Sergeant Thunderhoof do a sterling job making "Halo Of Flies" darker and more psychedelic than the original.
The album is a fun concept with many of England's lesser-known acts grabbing an opportunity to showcase their abilities on such a huge album. However, there are times on here when the tracks don't click. The down-tuned riffs of 1968 are an exception on "You Drive Me
Nervous" sounds more menacing than Cooper's version. This is where the album makes the concept
work with tracks like Ritual King's "Desperado" and Mos Generator's "Dead Babies" sending shivers down this writer's spine.
The album finishes with the quirkiness of Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell singing on the title track "Killer" There are four bonus tracks for the CD and Digital formats. The Female-fronted hard rock act Alunah adds grit to "I'm Eighteen" with sultry vocals and mesmerising guitar work. Suns Of Thunder's highly-charged rendition of "Billion Dollar Babies" Possessor's heavy,groove-orientated "Muscle Of Love" and finally the macabre screams of "Sick Things" from Sound Of Origin.
Overall, Pale Wizard Records deliver a pleasing trip down memory lane with some talented acts on hand to help.
Words by Anselm Anderson
Pale Wizard Social Media
THE GRAND MAL- 'BE MY LOVER'
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