Love Undone

The first Deadly Snakes' album is a fast, ambitious, rock & roll gem. Produced by Greg Oblivian, Love Undone was recorded almost completely live in the studio during one of the largest snowstorms in Toronto's information superhighway era. The resulting sound is that of an energetic young band cooped up in a studio. The bleeding-throat vocals are barely decipherable, and the music is rambunctiously fun. "Bone Dry," "I Gotta Plan (For Saturday Night)," "Real Rock & Roll Tonight," and the title track are prime examples of how the Snakes effortlessly blend blues into aggressive punk. Think of the Rolling Stones and New York Dolls. Blend them with the primal aggression of the Stooges. And keep it glamourless and street, like the early Ramones. It's a pretty common formula, but it's rarely perfected like it is on Love Undone. The Snakes can also handle the slower ballads; "Sweet Sixteen," the final track, is sad enough to make you cry. Especially when Andre St. Clair wails, "Your mama must love me more than mine." One of Love Undone's most impressive qualities is the fact that songwriting is thoroughly dispersed, without one song sounding misplaced. That level of group effort makes the music that much more endearing. This debut album is proof that rock & roll doesn't need to progress to invigorate and sets the stage for a great follow-up.