The long awaited follow up to their self-titled CD has hit stores and is flying off the shelves at a breakneck pace. And there is reason why. It smokes. Produced and mixed by band member Anthony Focx, this is a studio work of art. Starting off the blitz is the balls out "Anyone". Individuality is at the forefront of this chainsaw cut. This song is a mantra for all those who want to be themselves, and not like someone else. "Freedom" is Cult like in approach and vocal qualities. Nice acoustic guitar on the break backs effects laden spoken word, and then the band rips into a Focx scorching lead climaxing with the chorus " I am freedom". Find an open highway and let er rip. Crashing drums and some damn good Kenny Kweens bass highlight the lighting hot track entitled "Unforgiven". My buddy Joe Leste pours his heart into this one and stirs your soul. The rhythm guitar single note hooks are off the hook. If you've been bad, as I have, you will like the imagery of "you don't need to be forgiven, you don't need a place to hide". Soulful indeed. "Save Me" is a cry to escape. We all could use that some time. White Zombie thunder cracks thru on this sensation and an almost Velvet Rev feel in the chorus. But with a Beautiful Creatures watermark stamped throughout. Next is the ball crushing "Superfly" which is one of my favs on the album. I first heard this song a while back when I caught Beautiful Creatures at The Key Club (see review here) and have loved it ever since. When I first got the CD in the mail, I listened to this song exclusively like 100 times. (You all do that don't you?). And the magic of the cut is not gone yet. " Can you show me how to find my way to another day"? Yes please. Things take a slower pace with the edgy "empty". You can feel the venom spew as you listen to Joe belt it out. Angry and vengeful has got it covered. "Never" gets the studio effects working over time and then cuts to clean mode. Rebellion runs high. "I'll never do what you want me to do, I'll never be what you want me to be." (Sound Familiar Satan?) Kick out the jams and tear into "Straight To Hell", a fast paced, little and index finger held high rocker. The four cord chorus plugs us in and light us up. A good wholesome family sing-along. "Going straight to hell." Beautiful acoustic guitar ditty called the "The Unknown" is a prelude to "Ton Of Lead". 42 seconds of serenity. Clean. Then the Marshall's crunch with "Ton Of Lead". It is a ceremony of sorts and a bit STPish in parts if you will, but it makes it all the more endearing to the listener. Better let it go before you wake up dead. This song is a showcase for Mr. Leste's vocal approach. Spine chilling. "Brand New Day" borrows from one those hooks you have heard somewhere, but can't put your memory on it. But this dos not at all infringe on the enjoyment derived from this straight-ahead rocker. Another pedal to the metal piece is "Thanks", that has you looking for respect and I love the line "thanks for the time you said goodbye". Makes a bad moment seems damn right good now. Silver lining kind of thing folks. Some bad-ass bass and a cool slamming guitar harmonic. Absolute perfection. "I Won't Be The One" is a perfect album closer. A ballad that has Joe letting it all hang out and it never sounded so good. Optimistic and sad at the same moment, this cuts deep. If you get one CD this week, month, year, get this one. Joe Leste , vocals Mark Simpson, lead guitar Anthony Focx, guitar Kenny Kweens, bass guitar Timmy Russel, drums Checkout the latest on the band at: http://www.beautifulcreatures.net http://www.myspace.com/beautifulcreatures