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The musical scene on L.A.’s Sunset Strip has meant different things in different eras, from the psychedelic folk rock of the 60s to the glam-infused street metal of the 80s. While it would be disingenuous to say Bowery Beasts combine all the sounds of the Strip on their EP Heavy You, there’s definitely a hybrid mentality at work here. Songwriter Marion Belle certainly has a glam rock swagger in his delivery, and “White Diamond Babe” and “He Was Your First Tattoo” bash and strut with pouting lips and big riffs. But “Amulet” flows across a lush folk rock groove, despite Belle’s high-pitched cry and a muscular guitar solo, while “Young Rockers” and “Rock N Roll Queen” subvert their titles with acoustic textures and heaping doses of lysergic atmosphere. This fascinating blend will be familiar to rock fans who still miss the late, lamented Mother Love Bone, and MLB lovers should be quick to embrace the Beasts. Otherwise, if you’re looking for something different in underground rock, Heavy You will scratch your curious itch.
