The Charms, Strange Magic CD Review On Rock N Roll Universe

The Charms are from the Boston, MA area and are led by sweet & sassy vocalist Ellie Vee and guitar wizard Joe Wizda. To put it simply the Charms play kick ass “Garage Rock & Roll” at its best. Vee and Wizda started the band in 2002 and released 2 full length albums and one 6 song EP before signing with Little Steven’s new record label Wicked Cool Records in early 2006. In 2006 the Charms toured with the NY Dolls, Supersuckers and the Chesterfield Kings on Little Steven’s Underground Garage Tour, and added keyboardist extraordinaire Ethan Jon Kreitzer to the band.

The Charms' 4th release ’Strange Magic’ is once again “In your face rock & roll” that rocks from beginning to end. The CD’s first track “American Way”starts off with some feedback before the drums & bass kick in to supply a fast, heavy demonic rhythm that has a sound that rivals Iggy & the Stooges, while Ellie Vee’s strong vocals are complimented nicely with the sounds of a Hammond organ and a steady backbeat. “So Romantic” shows the band paying tribute to ‘the Romantics with a fun power punk sound that will have you joining in the chorus by the 2nd verse. “Broken Heart” revisits the mid ‘60’s girl group era, while the tune “My Friends” has the feel & style of Paul Revere & the Raiders. “Star Rider” would’ve fit in both lyrically and musically with Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust” phase. Wizda’s soloing throughout the album is great as his guitar style sounds like the 70’s guitar hero era much in the same vein as AC/DC’s Angus Young. The song “Touch”(which is my favorite track off the album)sounds like a cross between the Bon Scott era AC/DC and a hint of Social Distortion. It’s tough to say what tracks stand out the most, but I would say the tracks that will definitely rock your rolls would be “American Way," ”So Romantic”(which will probably be the first single off the CD), ”Lost Child," ”Cold War," ”My Friends," ”Touch” and“The Wolf”(this tune really rocks out). Overall, ’Strange Magic’ is a great rock & roll album that puts the fun back into rock & roll. www.wickedcoolrecords.com www.thecharms.net