Guilty Strangers - "Walking The Wire"

As I wait to receive the newest release from Guilty Strangers, I thought I'd take the opportunity to discuss the album that didn't get released yet somehow became an internet sensation and bled across the deathrock, goth, post-punk corners of the web like the seductive undead. "Walking The Wire" offers a Guilty Strangers that colors their no-wave/deathrock roots with unexpected covers and delicate fringes of paisley (yes I said it), experimental and early L.A. post punk. Officially, there's eleven delicious tracks on this release, but my copy came with just eight. Those eight however, are each individually decadent and mesmerizing. Each song leaves you begging for more of the same, but you are denied and instead offered a serving of something even more intoxicating. With the exception of the title track, all of the music is recorded and performed by Shawn and Christine Terry. Christine of course is the love child of Kendra Smith and Lydia Lunch... and it's a heritage that comes to full fruition on these recordings. Decidedly stepping away from the 'Teenage Jesus' comparasions and instead embracing the dark side of paisley/psychedelia of bands like Opal offers a whole new dimension to not only her range as a vocalist, but to the band as well. Shawn continues to be the fabric and talent that weaves such an eclectic tapestry of influences from deathrock to glam rock that he effortlessly breaks the molds of genre and transforms Guilty Strangers into an orchestra of 5 decades worth of rock and rebellion. A Lou Reed cover?! If that isn't enough to make you want to have their babies, Tumbler and Walking The Wire (featuring Heidi and Roland) will be. Do yourself a favor, support this band. Go see them when you can, and buy their extremely limited releases when they are available, they will be treasures in your collection on many levels.

"Walking The Wire" is available as a free download from Zorch Records, here: Walking The Wire from Zorch Records. A very small amount of Guilty Strangers' new album, "Oracle" is available on eBay here: Oracle on eBay.