Emotionalpunk.com
Media Review
Music Quality: 8.5
Production: 7.0
Originality: 9.0
Tracklisting
2. The Mistress and the Matador
3. Black-Tar Concubine
4. Hills Like White Elephants
5. Audrey Hepburn in Pill Form
6. Navigating the Formaldehyde Straight
The first release from this Phoenix, AZ band is chaotic and fun. The Stiletto Formal features the basic structure of an average band, plus a keyboard, cello, saxophone, and an occasional cowbell. All of these elements come together to bring you a fast-paced thrill-ride that will have you begging for more after the six tracks are over.
A good comparison would be to At The Drive-In. The vocals are very similar to Cedric Bixler-Zavala, currently of The Mars Volta. The singer’s voice goes from high pitched singing to screaming, right back to singing again without taking a breath although the screaming parts of the vocals can be a bit disruptive and are at times unpleasant. The cello is a great addition to the band, keeping the listener hooked in with creative riffs present every song. Several tracks also include some extra percussion in the way of a cowbell that is great for filling a few voids. As far as the lyrics go, you won’t find you typical love and heartbreak story here. The insert might as well come with a dictionary for the intelligence used here will leave the layman in the dust.
As far as some of the stronger tracks, “The Mistress and the Matador” would be considered the “single” off of the album and the band has a video for the song featuring some live performances. “Murder at the Stiletto Formal” lulls you into fading out right before they coming tear back into the chorus. “Hills like White Elephants” strangely enough has a keyboard intro that is reminiscent of older Korn songs and then quickly takes off into its own. The final track, “Navigating the Formaldehyde Straight,” is a great choice to end with as you are left with a saxophone melody at the very end that contradicts the rest of the album with its beauty. This is an independent release which is very surprising because either some record labels opted to pass on these talented guys and gals, or they chose to do things their way. Any fan of At The Drive-In will definitely enjoy this CD.