They've got a bummer name and a bit too much of a try-hard corny look for my tastes, but unlike contributor John Norby, I actually really like it when Barbe-Q-Barbies channel AC/DC. In fact, I'd say they're at their best when they lean closer to classic 70s rock/powerpop (think Cheap Trick) than 80s glam/hair metal. Give them a heavier sound and they'd probably end up generic also-rans, but give me big hooks and raw power and I'm sold.
This Finnish all-girl rock crew have it nailed -- almost -- when it comes to belting out a killer collection of punk-tinged hard rock that is so close to perfection, it's frustrating. The only thing really lacking here is a supercharged guitar sound. It's not that the guitars sound bad, rather they would completely transform this album if they rang out with the power of the likes of Skid Row or Mötley Crüe instead of the predominant AC/DC-like tone they currently have. Listening to the likes of "Rockstar" or "Escort" might be an enjoyable affair now, but it's hard not to think of how immense they would sound with a Dave Sabo-esque six-stringed savagery behind them. It would change "All over you" from a head-nodding, foot-tapping rock 'n' roll album into a fist-pounding, frenzy-inducing hard rock behemoth. I'm not talking about changing the riffs -- the songwriting is exceptional -- but rather giving the guitar that sound that forces gritted teeth, clenched fists and a cry of "Fuck yeah!" at the slightest hint of a chord being hit. The vocals are right up there with the best of rock's female screamers, the production borders on the perfect and, all-in-all, this is a stormer of a debut album that would get full marks if not for what I've just mentioned above. Just... please... floor us with that guitar next time! - John Norby
Barbe-Q-Barbies