Everything I know about Thelma and the Sleaze points to them being a hard rocking, no-fucks-giving, party rock band. Their “Too Tough†video from 2013 has the band dressed as bikers watching a no-holds-barred wrestling match. Their 2014 EP Heart Like a Fist is filled with dark, big riff, rock songs. They are defiant and confident, to say the least.
Which made the first listen to their full-length Somebody’s Doin Somethin’ a bit of a surprise. The album showcases a much more diverse and, dare I say, softer sider of The Sleaze. “Why You Wanna Do That?†has a 50′s soul feel, right down to the background ooh’s and aah’s. “Roses†has a jaunty piano line running underneath the guitar solo and pleading vocal line. These are not unpleasant elements, just unexpected.
That’s not to say that the album doesn’t have it’s fair share of bootlicking hard-rock as well. “Lucy†is as explosive and immersive as you could hope for and “Lost City†has all sorts of fist-pumping anthemic vibes (and a xylophone).Â
It’s a refreshing listen and nice verification that the band has more tricks up their sleeve than they may have pigeonholed for.Â