Artist: The Deadly Vipers

Review by Jessi Roti – @JessiTaylorRO

Artist: The Deadly Vipers

Album: Ouroboros

Links: https://www.facebook.com/deadlyvipers.detriot

http://deadlyvipers-detroit.bandcamp.com/album/ouroboros

It seems to be the witching hour for female musicians. While there’s a high demand, there’s still this need for women to prove themselves – especially in rock music. Being “heavy” enough or being truly authentic is constantly questioned, even if it’s being questioned subconsciously. So, how can true musicians, who also happen to be female, keep from breaking the “spell?” By creating something absolutely fearless, like The Deadly Vipers did on their latest release, Ouroboros.

The Detroit-based, all-female outfit packs a Joan Jett-like snarl across 10 tracks. Booming with more aggression than angst, there’s no prim or polish when telling someone to “shut the fuck up,” talking about going to the graveyard, or being bored to the core.

Burrowing itself somewhere between psychedelic and grunge-riddled garage punk, the girl gang seem to be plugged into a punching bag, time machine rather than some amplifiers. The brilliant, psych-instrumental, “Deja Blu” is so pure, so creepily hallucinogenic in the best way psych should be, it’s impossible to ignore. There’s an obvious understanding of rock history, with nuances garnered from talks of the shaman similar to The Doors, to The Runaways, and even a slight Soundgarden feel on the introduction of “Evolution Stone.”

Each track sounds like its own announcement, or pronouncement. “Encountering the 5th Kind” borders on a rallying cry if sang through a megaphone. “Negative Doldrums” and “Yada Yada” both employ anthemic chants reminiscent of The Ramones’ seminal, “Hey-ho, let’s go!”

In their band bio, they write, “The Deadly Vipers carry their crusade through waves of thundering beats performed by a group of kick ass chicks who are intensely dedicated to the sound.” The sound knows no gender and rock and roll knows no rules. However, if the crusades are going to continue for women in rock music, I’m pulling for these kickass chicks carrying the torch.