New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Being a huge fan of rock bands fronted by a strong female vocalist, I'm always hoping to hear a current band that furthers sound. The Cynz build on the foundation of Suzi Quatro and
Joan Jett while adding a grit and glitter all their own with their superb full-length album "Superfan".
The first track "Mean Girls" has a melodic crunch that not only makes this a standout track, but a perfect introduction to the streetwise sound and razor sharp intelligent lyrics found throughout the rest of the LP. Using lines like "I don't need your damn approval/You seem to need it more than I do" to go after the shallow, self-obsessed phonies glamourized by modern society paired with Henry Seiz' scorching guitar, it's a powerful opener.
It's followed by the title track "Superfan". The opening lyric "Everybody's for sale" grabs attention immediately and the rest of the song keeps it combining a dancable groove along with the excellent melody and harmonizing vocals of the chorus.
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Evolution" is the third song here and it's a knockout. Utilizing a countdown as a framework, it creates a tension to help drive home the theme of overcoming, moving on and channeling anger into a constructive energy for becoming someone better. The repeated intonation "This is my evolution" near the end of the track feels cathartic and empowering.
"Learn To Feel Alive" slows the pace to detail a relationship's deterioration and the changes it brings. Cyndi sings the line "Can't get back the girl you lost" in a way that it could be addressing the partner in the relationship as well as herself, illustrating the deep and masterful songwriting and performing present on this album.
"Quick Fix Man" starts out with only drums, then adds bass, then the rest of the instruments before building into a sexy, straight up hard rock gem. With a naughty groove and lyrics, this song is good dirty fun.
An ear-catching guitar intro starts "Miles Between", a truly well written song that describes the singer's inner thoughts as night turns into day and her feelings become clearer also. The chorus "Didn't you know/All along/Didn't you/All along/It's always been you" has a memorable bittersweet power pop melody and the poetic spoken word piece heard near the end fills out the drama of the song beautifully.
The seventh track, "Weight of the World", features raucous rock backing up smart motivating lyrics like the opening lines "Fifteen years just standing in line/Waiting on a ticket to your own prime time" and "Can't count on your money/Can't count on your friends", it's a fiery song about getting off your ass and making your own life happen. "Live Like We're Dead", a song that angrily shouts out the frustration at a stalled life and a stale relationship, follows.
One of the album's strongest songs, "I'd Rather Be Me" is next. Including the lyrics "I could have been Angelina/I didn't want to" and the gorgeously harmonized chorus "All these things that I could be/There's one thing I'd rather be/I'd rather be me...than you" together with snarling guitar and a driving beat, it's a bold, confident attitude anthem. Instantly memorable, fun and powerful, it's one of my favorite songs, not only from this album, but from this year.
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Leave Me Alone" is the celebratory break up song that follows. Featuring relatable f^ck-off lyrics that are fun to sing along with, this song must scorch live.
"Right To Your Grave", a haunting song of unrequited love is next. The melancholy instrumentation paired with Cyndi's gorgeous vocals make this song's emotion ring true and sting deep.
Lightening the mood is the next track, "Blame It On The Kiss". One of the poppier tracks included here, it's fast paced with a very strong melody and some excellent guitar work on the bridge.
"Something To Steal" is the final song here. With its memorable guitar riff and husky vocals including lyrics detailing the hurt of a relationship falling apart because other people and priorities are getting in the way, it's a song well-chosen to close the album.
The Cynz create a fantastic rock atmosphere on "Superfan". Very reminiscent of the real NYC of days past, they have a rawness and honesty in their music and a vivid, poetic way with lyrics and storytelling that at times call to mind of one of my long time favorites, the Jim Carroll Band, while bringing an truthful originality and vibe that's all their own.
The Cynz "Superfan" is an emotional journey with each song and an excellent album from start to finish. Absolutely great and very highly recommended.
