AV Super Sunshine returns to us with a monstrously good time on their single “Frankenstein”. Their latest release since their romantic single “A Wedding Song” earlier this year, AV continues to show their eclectic range by doing what they do best. Take a mesh of the familiar and throw it in a blender to craft something new, and in this case it’s a real Frankenstein of a song, combining the sounds of pseudo Black Sabbath, demented surf rock, and a dash of Alice Cooper to make something that’s more a loving send up to the things that make us freaks, than giving us anything to fear.
Something AV has always shined at (no pun intended) is making songs about the value of the self. The band has always been an outlier with its sounds that can’t quite be pinpointed, even though the band has always been transparent about its affinity for 70s experimental music. It might not click for some, but for someone like me and I can imagine countless others, it’s always a treat when this group rears their heads into the village. Even the way the song opens with the rhythmic growls of its front man saying “Frank-En-Stein” repeatedly, there’s something ominous brewing. Something wicked this way comes indeed. “I am your Gaga, not the radio kind. Cause I lift myself up, time after time”, it should be noted for those unaware, but Lady Gaga’s fan base are referred to as little monsters, and this owning of one’s own freakiness is what heavily inspired the attitude of this song.
The sound of the guitars which have this mellow but chained trashing element to them are intoxicating. It’s like a bellowing beast ready to be unchained as he sings “Light up your torches and rev up your porches”, as though he’s warning the townsfolk to be ready for his imminent arrival. Even the way the band makes a throwaway statement about the family of the lead singer not enjoying the songs he likes before belting “I am your Frankenstein ” is poignant and a way of expressing oneself. There’s almost a campy element to it, like something you’d hear in an exploitation film or a vehicle like “Rock N Roll High School”. It’s not meant to be taken too seriously, but it’s incredibly effective as an anthem over one’s personality. The electronic usage on the song is equally inspired, feeling reminiscent of test tubes and electricity crackling through the air.
The middle break in which he describes his affinity for his dad’s Rolls Royce has this slight twinge of malice to it, like the knowledge of what someone loves and the fragility of it. “It’s very easy to drive” he says and even the sinister undertones from that are powerful. From there it’s a pretty standard repetition of the front half of the song, but the weight is now strengthened by the fantastic camaraderie between band members and the whole thing is masterfully mixed and mastered. If you’re looking for a delicious treat this Halloween, here it is.
Rachel Townsend
The music of AV Super Sunshine has been heard all over the world in partnership with the radio plugging services offered by Musik and Film Radio Promotions Division. Learn more https://musikandfilm.com