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Album reviews Music

Band of Skulls

Rating: NNN


Band of Skulls make music that’s as suited to dingy underground clubs as it is to a Twilight film soundtrack or a Miracle Whip commercial. In fact, the English trio’s rock ‘n’ roll, which ranges from moody slow burners to epic anthems, has appeared in all three places.

On their third album, Band of Skulls stretch even further. Sultry-sounding Cold Sweat features bassist/singer Emma Richardson’s vocals haunted by reverb, and Hoochie Coochie is all arena rock with a hint of glam. Then there’s Toreador, with its midway-point guitar solo that could be difficulty-level “hard” in Guitar Hero. (They actually have a song in the video game.)

Even at their grittiest, Band of Skulls are polished, primped and ready for mass consumption. Formed 10 years ago, they’ve long been ready for their close-up. But if they keep on like this, they’ll be just as prepared to look like tiny ants from the nosebleeds at a sold-out stadium show.

Top track: Asleep At The Wheel

Band of Skulls play the Phoenix Thursday (April 24).

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