Fashion Pimps And The Glamazons
Jazz 4 Johnny
Feel It Records [2021]
There is absolutely nothing pretty about Cleveland’s Fashion Pimps And The Glamazons debut record Jazz 4 Johnny. The music is raw, rough, loud, noisy, post-punky, unkempt and gritty. It is as almost like the foursome got together and figured out a musical style that would represent the independent spirit that is the Rust Belt. I think the band nails it as you cheer them on through every angular guitar melee and synthesizer blast.
From the opening explosion of “Free World,” you know that the Fashion Pimps are going to take you on a ride as their Brainiac like synth synergy from Noah Anthony (Profligate) and guitar work of Richard Rodriguez battle with the drums of Jayson G and the layered vocals of Steve Chainsaw. Chainsaw’s lyrics are typically delivered in short bursts that have a bit of early sounding Parquet Courts to them with a slightly distorted spoken elegance that grabs your attention. Especially on a track like “Dream Police” where he proclaims “open up that armpit; show me your soul.”
With only 7 songs in 19 minutes, Jazz 4 Johnny is more of a power mini-album as there are no breaks, no ballads or no real time for air. Fashion Pimps And The Glamazons are in your face no wave with a punk spirit that keeps charging out at you. It is that drive that gives Jazz 4 Johnny its edge and once your head stops rattling at its conclusion you instantly want to dive back into their unflinching world!
Key Tracks: “Free World” / “Dream Police” / “L.A. County Critters”
Artists With Similar Fire: Brainiac / Fascinating / Silicone Prairie
Fashion Pimps And The Glamazons Website
Feel It Records
-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony
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