Customer Reviews

Venice Underground

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I really wanted to enjoy this CD. I love P*rno for Pyros (PFP) as I thought it was Perry Farrell's best musical venture. A significant part of the PFP's sound was Peter DiStefano's amazing guitar work. So I came to Venice Underground as part of a hunt for all of DiStefano's projects. Like-minded listeners will be disappointed by "Venice Underground." That written, the rock infused techno approach had much promise. What went wrong? The songs have no resonance or staying power. The melodies are dull while the female voices add nothing. Beyond these issues, DiStefano's signature PFP's sound is entirely absent -with the exception of 'Punk Rock Guitar.' Not coincidentally, this is the release's strongest track. For those disillusioned by this project, know that "Gratitude" (2004) is a good DiStefano solo project. The release of "Venice Underground" in DVD-Audio format indicates that the producer had great hopes for the recording. Such faith was not enough as "Venice Underground" is currently out-of-print and for good reason.

With the beginning of "Back Seat" (the fast, sexually compromising first track on Venice Underground's self-titled debut CD), the listener is promised to expect similar rapid tracks, such as in the following one, "Hard Young Thing". The beginning of this latter tune has an exotic Middle Eastern/Indian feel to it, which is seen again in track #6, "Take Me Down", another good song.

My two favorites on "Venice Underground" would have to be the back-to-back mute tracks: #4 ("Insane Toy Symphony"), a medium, short song (barely reaching 2 minutes) with no vocals except for the indecipherable male voice samples and the conclusive groan; and #5 ("Punk Rock Guitar"), a fast song (nearing 7 minutes) reminiscent of the late 70's era, but with a trendy electronic twist--just synths and a punk guitar solo.

The majority of songs (with vocals anyway) on "Venice Underground" are sung by females, namely Little Green Girl, who sings her five songs in a sweet, girlish voice. The other two guest singers on "Venice Underground" are Kacy Crowley and Beca Starr, each singing one song a piece ("Take Me Down" and "Venice By the Sea"), both of which are really good tracks.

I can't say I loved all the songs on "Venice Underground" (some of the vocals and lyrics were at times irritating and immature, thus my 4-star rating), but if you like pop/dance/techno music featuring female singers, then this CD is worth a listen.

I have had the Venice Underground DVD since it came out. I really do enjoy this album. It is great music to play for a small gathering of friends. The fact that it is on DVD can make the listening experience a little more limited as to where you can play it. But if you have a good sound system, it is worth it.