belladonna the noir album

Released: 05 October 2009 Label: code7

The album title belies what this has to offer. Expecting something dark, mysterious and moody with a concept that is carried through, however a little disappointment creeps in when listening starts.

Opening with the lukewarm Alchemical Romance, a mid paced rock track with average riffs and vocals on the verge of wandering out of tune. Its not the goth rock track that was expected.

The album continues in pretty much the same vein with its piano based rock. The piano often sounds out of place and inappropriate almost as an afterthought to give someone something to do. The songwriting is average and uninspiring.

A little respite is given in the form of midway track, My Golden Dawn, just piano and vocals. Singer Luana gives a gutsy performance but still doesn’t quite hit the mark.

Closing with the track Pure Belladonna, unsurprisingly, it truly lives up to its name. Dull and average. Perhaps piano infused rock should be left to the Finns.

by Scott Chalmers