For this edition of Rainbows in the Dark we take a look at Satan’s Satyrs third full-length, Don’t Deliver Us. They started off with a bang on their debut, a lo-fi biker punk extravaganza with all the right attitude. The follow-up was less raucous and heavily riff driven. With this release their sound loses the heaviness altogether and goes for the retro revival sound. The fuzzy guitar tones are still a huge part but this time it feels like a bland, classic rock album that you’ve heard too many times. 

It was easy to dig deep into the band’s debut, mostly because of the raw feel. It was electrifying and unique to say the least. The only thing electrifying about this album is the smoking guitar leads and grooving rhythms of “Two Hands” and “Creepy Teens.” Both start off extremely promising but lose their momentum as the minutes tick off.

Then there’s Clayton Burgess’s off-putting vocals that really weigh the songs down. Gone are the days of his higher registered vitriol that made the band’s debut extra punchy. Here he sounds whiny and unsure if the next note will be there or not.

Not much in the way of excitement through the album. Each song tends to get monotonous, particularly on successive spins. The fuzzy, bluesy rock formula repeats itself over and over. The pacing changes slightly but still, it’s the same rehashed riffs. Blue Cheer’s bluesy delivery and early Rolling Stones guitar solo work can be picked out at times but it’s not enough to save the album.

I get the fact that band’s have the right to do whatever they want with their direction and sound, much like Satan’s Satyrs have done here. I applaud and respect the band for doing exactly as they pleased with Don’t Deliver Us. However, until they prove me wrong their pinnacle will continue to be Wild Beyond Belief.

– Josh

Don’t Deliver Us will be available October 30 on Bad Omen Records. For more information on Satan’s Satyrs visit their Facebook page.