Sweethead [2009] Sweethead

Named after a Bowie b-side, Sweethead is Troy Van Leeuwen’s own L.A. based band which features Serrina Sims on vocals, Norm Block on drums (Mark Lanegan Band, Plexi) and Eddie Nappi on bass (Mark Lanegan Band, Handsome).  Best known for his participation in Queens of the Stone Age, Van Leeuwen takes his musical cues in Sweethead from legends past and present including the Stooges, Wire, and of course Bowie, while Serrina mixes her fierceness into a Chrissie Hynde/Shirley Manson mold garnished with a playful Debbie Harry twist;  all with the rest of the band in full melodic rock mode that doesn’t  miss a beat.  Recorded at multiple studios and in between commitments to the band members’ other musical projects, the eponymously named debut full length by Sweethead is now poised for North American consumption beginning May 11.   With reworked and unbelievably eye-catching cover graphics, a confident  debut boasting 13 masterful tracks oozing rock’n’ sex,  Sweethead is just  beginning to pave the road to Oz.  Like a night out on Hollywood Boulevard with a rum & Coke in hand, all rock ‘n ‘ roll swagger, Sweethead is a potent reminder of the sheer thrills of  old fashioned decadence.  Sweethead is ready for America. America, are you ready for Sweethead?