The Slants- How the Wicked Live

Artist: The Slants

Music Video: How the Wicked Live

Label: Independent

Website: https://www.theslants.com/

Reviewer: Michael Fearon

Date: 1-23-11

Like a good scotch, The Slants have provided us with a fantastic blend.

This Asian-American band cite their primary influences as Depeche Mode and Joy Division, and one can certainly see the synthpop element within their music, however the overriding nature of the song is more Twisted Sister than Petshop Boys.

The song undeniably has a dance element to it, which will not fail to get bodies moving on the dance floor, but at it's heart this is a powerful Rock n' Roll piece with a chorus that begs you to sing along with it, and has been stuck in this reviewers head for several days now.

There are some niggling issues with the music, mainly with the vocals in the verses.  They come across slightly weaker than they should be, however this is redeemed by the Chorus which is hip-thrusting the best 70's/80's style lines they can at you.
Additionally, there is a surprise element in the bridge, in which a guest rapper joins in.  This is done well, as although it is an unexpected move, it fits with the flow of the song well, and does not seem forced at all.

On to the video itself, it is clear some thought and direction has gone into this 'Battle Royale' themed video, which begins with the band being informed by a perky lady in Japanese, that they are the subjects of the next Battle.  I was very excited at this point, as 'Battle Royale' was undoubtedly a defining movie.  However the video does not quite deliver what I had anticipated.  The various fight scenes seem rushed and fairly amateur, and perhaps would have benefited from a couple more takes.

However the location is phenomenal, blasting out their powerful lines across an industrial wasteland, and The Slants scream "Style Style Style" from behind their slick moves and shades.  They are rock stars and they are not afraid to show it, and they show it off well.

Check it out: