Out of sheer curiosity, I listened to the album Love, Love, Love by Glass Candy & the Shattered Theatre hoping that it would sound every bit as nostalgic as the album cover suggests. One only needs to see the cover once to realize that this is something borrowed straight out of the 1982 music vaults. To boot, it looks exactly like MTV’s first year on air; which were “the days” in my opinion. Anyway, after doing a little research on the Internet to see what these guys were all about, I felt compelled to expand my knowledge of the band. Contrary to my desire, I found that there really isn’t much information available on the band. Maybe it’s because they are still fairly unrecognized to the music scene. Hopefully this is something that will change as time progresses.
It’s highly apparent what has been the main influence for Glass Candy. After finding several pictures of the band online, I realized that lead singer, Ida No, has virtually nailed the 80’s new wave look. She’s been referred to as a cross between Ziggy Stardust and Alan Vega. The music itself has even been tagged as “death disco.” It may also be noted that Ida, along with guitarist, John David V, may unwillingly bring the mullet back if they’re not careful.
Love, Love, Love is not a very long album. A few of the songs are from previous 7-inch releases that have been selected to surface here. I should also note that these 7-inch releases should be gobbled up quickly, as they may become very nice collectibles in the future. “Crystal Migraine” begins with hammering punk-like bass and guitar riffs over Ida’s seamlessly aggressive vocals. “Hurt” shows the caustic side of No’s lyrics. She sings, “I wanna hurt you/I wanna hurt me.” I firmly believe she could do it, too. If her ability to hurt someone is even remotely as strong as her lungs, I have a feeling someone could be in for a good ass-whoopin’.
The title track, “Love, Love, Love,” is a track that imparts a touch of new wave dance with its upbeat drums and swaying effects. Anyone want to do the white-man’s overbite? No? Ok. The title of the last song, “Empty V,” even salutes MTV with play on words. Contrary to the aggressive tone of Love, Love, Love, this song seems to change pace for what is the most “user-friendly” track offered. Overall, though, the pace of the album is quite solid. Each song remains true to the agenda the band is trying to adhere to. Love, Love, Love is punk rock all the way. It just seems to fall a little short of what could be an incredible rendition of 80’s revival. I should contradict myself and say that it’s a hell of a start.
So, although there is truly nothing revolutionary about Love, Love, Love, I’m hoping the idea of Glass Candy’s music will instill a desire for other bands to follow with the 80’s revival. I, for one, have been waiting for it to happen for quite some time. I want to put my collars up again on my shirts and wear Swatches. Not really, but you get the idea I’m going for. If you’re from that era, and you miss those days, Glass Candy & the Shattered Theatre may be something that will interest you. I personally hope I get to see them live at some point. I can only image what it would be like to see them in a small club environment. Maybe after spreading the word about their music, they’ll begin to gain enough recognition to make this happen.
1. Crystal Migraine
2. Hurt
3. Brittle Women
4. The Last Time
5. Love, Love, Love
6. Love on a Plate
7. Nite Nurses
8. Empty V
More about: Glass Candy & the Shattered Theatre
