The Distillers - Coral Fang (2003)

Too many so-called fans were quick to stamp on this release, claiming that The Distillers had sold out, the band opting for a bigger budget and cleaner sound, although this record was tragically to be their last. For, this is the finest Distillers records, and probably one of the best punk records ever released, even if it lacks that sheer volatile blitz of previous records. This is certainly more commercial, if you can call it that, I'd prefer to say that the band became better musicians and songwriters, and the luscious Brody Dalle found her ideal vocal approach, somewhere between razorblade angel and soulful punk bitch. The coarseness of earlier records is missing here, the band opting for a more melodic approach, however, it's hard to fault the tracks on this offering. 'Drain The Blood' is pure aggression, a punk anthem of the highest order in which Dalle excels herself beyond manly vomit and from here on there's not a duff track, 'Dismantle Me' is truly monstrous, 'Die On A Rope' goes straight for the throat but its the menacing doom of 'The Gallow Is God' that provides a real peak for the record, Brody's harsh chords scraping her throat into the superb chorus, and musically this is a fine record, Andy Granelle's drums batter and clatter throughout, providing a storm of anarchy. Sure, The Distillers now have a rockier edge, but their ability to create heavy yet catchy songs amid the chaos is frightening, one minute thrashing with the most aggressive and then slowing the temp ominously. The title cut is venemous but 'The Hunger' is one of the best songs The Distillers have ever crafted, albeit one displaying more of a mellow side with the introduction of an acoustic melody which soon catches on fire, meanwhile 'Beat Your Heart Out' is another punk rock classic. there's no denying that 'Coral Fang' rocks harder than a majority of alleged rock 'n' roll albums. In Brody Dalle we have one of the hottest voices...and bodies in heavy rock, just a shame they chose to disband, Brody forming her next act, Spinnerette.

8.5/10