Led by formerBang Tango frontman Joe Leste, the Beautiful Creatures' debut disc is a non- sentimental journey that connects the attributes of commercial rock with the sonic muscle of contemporary heavy metal. The Beautiful Creatures overwhelming appeal lies in their command of traditional pop/rock songcraft bolstered by expert musicianship. Cuts including 1 A.M., Wasted, "New Orleans," and "Goin' Off" encapsulate the qualities that catapulted L.A. Sunset Strip glam to the top of the charts in the '80s: guitar licks a descendent of Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin, hooky singalong choruses, and lyrics that depict the decadent side of life with a tinge of sensitivity. Yet this disc is far from a nostalgia trip. The dueling guitars of DJ Ashba and Anthony Focx draw from grunge, avant-garde and traditional blues without a wasted note or meandering off into self-indulgent solos. Bassist Kenny Kweens tastefully employs five-string, lower-register riffs that complement drummer Glen Sobel's relentless four/four hammering. Sean Beavan's simple live-in-the-studio production approach is a perfect fit for this veteran ensemble. Kicking for Days displays a flair for the dramatic when the bridge melts into an ethereal half-time groove, and the ballad Wish is a romantic tearjerker worthy of countless cigarette lighter tributes. The songs found on this self-titled first offering would be praiseworthy in any genre. That Beautiful Creatures chose heavy metal suggests that hope springs eternal: maybe melody and skill will once again win over concocted attitudes, flash-in-the-pan guitar heroics and pretty haircuts. ~ Tom Semioli, Rovi

1		1 A.M.
2		Wasted
3		Step Back
4		Ride
5		Wish
6		Kick Out
7		Blacklist
8		Kickin' for Days
9		Time and Time Again
10		Goin' Off
11		New Orleans
12		I Got It All

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