Album Review: Asylum by Smith Island

Album Name: Asylum
Artist: Smith Island
Year/Label: 2005 / Independent

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Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

“Asylum” is apparently based on the down on her luck Zelda Zardoz’ life experiences. The mini rock opera of five songs puts the band’s singer Gabrielle Stubbert to the front.

“Asylum” is classic seventies rock with powerful riffs by guitarist Angus Clark and vixen-ish vocals.

“Starf-king your way to Nowhere” tells of Zelda’s arrival in Los Angeles and her disappointment with it. Stubbert supplies strong vocals to a glam beat.

“Uncle Dick” evokes Bowie’s Ziggy era and that can’t be bad.

We end with a disturbing moment of illusory peace. The final track sees Zelda’s descent into madness. The song spirals into an almost heavy metal climax.

There’s more to this ep than most bands full length albums.

Posted on January 15, 2005

Track Listing
1. In My Room
2. Asylum
3. Starf–king Your Way to Nowhere
4. Uncle Dick
5. Coma

[Smith Island Official Site]

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