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Review: Siva Addiction - Bad Decision [Album]

Self Release // "Opens up the bottom end like a box full of laxatives"

by Huw Hopkins, June 1st, 2012 and has been Read 848 times.
Last Edited by: Jack Stovin June 5th, 2012.

The upbeat riff contrasts beautifully against the steady beat of drummer Brandon Fields in Siva Addiction’s opening tune. The delight of a metal track that is ‘Bad Decisions’ is made up of lyrics that would impress great wordsmiths, lead guitar melodies that hang above the main track better

Vocalist Bridgette Oliver sings with enough passion that conjure a faint growl in ‘One Night Rodeo’, but none so scary that any male counterpart would be intimidated. The more-than-musically capable backing from guitarists Andy Hopkins and Vince Lindstrom add a jolt of electricity to the five-piece that would leave manic punk groups flat-lining.

WATCH // Siva Addiction - 'One Night Rodeo'

‘Hit Me’ is the first time an element of disappointment enters the fray as Oliver’s vocal is far to low in the main verses, although she more than makes up for it in the chorus. The metal furore Siva Addiction play with is undisputed, but the Slash-like guitar solos and Southern swagger to the music tips a cap to classic rock bands like Guns n’Roses and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

The unavoidable comparisons to fellow female-fronted metallers Evanescence cannot be ignored, especially on ‘Gone Away’ but that is not to do a disservice to Siva Addiction, regardless of your feelings toward them. The classic strings below the lead chugging rhythm section at the song’s middle-eight display the band’s musical intellect and close the song powerfully.

Bridgette Oliver’s vocal strength is incredible, she wouldn’t look out of place on The Voice and her control is something special that hasn’t been seen since Anastacia was telling us what it’s like to be left outside alone. This is never more evident than on the soulful ballad ‘Take Me Home’ that is wholly reserved in comparison to the rocked up ‘When It’s Over’ that follows.

LISTEN // Siva Addiction - 'Get On Out'

It is ‘Get On Out’ that eventually hits that repetitive wall as Siva Addiction begin to lose creativity in the tough third quarter of the 10 song album. Andy Hopkins does attempt to make up for this with a blistering solo before being joined by Vince Lindstrom briefly for a Thin Lizzy inspired dual guitar moment.

‘More Than A Memory’ opens up the bottom end like a box full of laxatives for an introduction. Jesse Slone is able to show off slightly in this laid back rhythm that allows more time to play in between the notes, unlike most of the previous upbeat tunes. The lyrics are sometimes cheesily adolescent but you’re able to forgive them as it is a rarity on the majority of Bad Decisions.

[Siva Addiction in a colourful scrap yard]

Back in to the fray is where ‘Night To 5’ launches the band, and after the chug-heavy verses, Bridgette Oliver opens up a melodic chorus with harmonies that are both unexpected and rather pleasant to hear from a metal band.

To close Bad Decisions, Siva Addiction play ‘Freedom’, an annoyingly simple guitar riff with some astounding production and playing around from the instrument players. Although the sample on the bass drum was a mistake it doesn’t detract from the song as a whole.

Analysing a band like Siva Addiction has to be straight forward, and to the point. The band don’t fuss about with heaps of technology or gimmicks, Bad Decisions is precisely what you’d expect from an Oklahoman outfit of rock metal. They play great music, they go home. Either buy the album or don’t. But you’ll wish you had.

LISTEN TO:

• One Night Rodeo
• When It’s Over
• Night To 5

Siva Addiction – Bad Decisions is out now

Tracklistings:
1 - Bad Decisions
2 - One Night Rodeo
3 - Hit Me
4 - Gone Away
5 - Take Me Home
6 - When It's Over
7 - Get On Out
8 - More Than A Memory
9 - Night To Five
10 - Freedom