On seeing Sparkling Bombs picture I really wasn’t sure what to expect- they have their faces painted white and ghoulish- are they goth? But they wear make-up- are they glam?
Upon listening to the album I realised that this Parisian fivesome are not really either of these things. (Well maybe a little glam.)

Oddly, being from France, some songs, notably Cheap Trash Honey and Too Dead Today seem to sound more like the glam-influenced Britpop bands like Placebo; the glam I mean being the likes of David Bowie and T-Rex, rather than the ‘80’s kind. Too Dead Today would be my favourite song on the album- an already nice chorus is made better with backing harmonies from guitarist Lady Bittersweet.

Tracks like Cosmetik Dream and Candyfloss Girl have bubblegum-pop choruses, and bittersweet lyrics; there are hints of early Manic Street Preachers here too, with lyrics about “razorblade princesses” and drag kings.
While some of the songs, such as Prettie Boy, have a punky edge to them and could be comparable to the New York Dolls, they are never as punk-sounding as similar bands, for example The Erotics.

Dead Dreams From The Silver Gutter can be quite poppy and commercial at times; Trust In Dust in particular, and I would have preferred something heavier. But I can’t deny that the songs are catchy and would sound best cranked up loud on a summer’s day. While I don’t think that it’s trashy or just plain dirty enough-sounding, I can’t deny that the more I play it, the more it grows on me! The songs are well written and performed, and all in all it’s a sweet record.

This album isn’t going to be to everyone’s taste, especially those who prefer heavier stuff- Sparkling Bombs are not typical sleaze rock, but if you take it for what it is ie. catchy melodic pop with guitars, then you will find it pleasant enough to listen to, and maybe even discover yourself enjoying it more than you originally thought you would!
6.5/10
Suzie