‘High Times in the Dark’ sees Chicago-based outfit The Claudettes return with a moody noir sound. It's a record that explores familiar themes with some very relevant to today’s uncertain times.
From the outset, it is clear that Johnny Iguana’s muscular piano playing is the core sound of the band. His keyboard skills on the record are sublime. Heavy pounding chord runs are mixed with subtle fills to hint at a style that lands somewhere between the works of Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard. Add in the cabaret-punk vocal of Berit Ulseth to the mix alongside the booming drums of founding member, Michael Caskey, and the bass and guitar of Zach Verdoorn and the unique sound of The Claudettes really finds its feet.
Relationships are the focus of songs, ‘Declined’ and ‘Bad Babe Losin’ Touch’, while past members are honoured in the emotional ‘You Drummers Keep Breaking My Heart’.
Especially relevant today, ‘Most Accidents Happen’ highlights the role the media plays in spreading fear and misinformation. A difficult relationship with alcohol is explored in ‘One Special Bottle’.
Five records into their career and despite struggling with line-up changes, The Claudettes, in 2020 are sounding in better health than ever with a renewed sense of togetherness. As a result, ‘High Times in the Dark’ is a classic noir infused rock and roll record that is full of eccentricity and emotion.