Myspace: Niki Thunders and the Temperamentals

Niki Thunders and the Temperamentals is the side project of Skitzo Calypso singer/guitarist Brad Cox. It's a bit of an alter-ego, drawing more influence from punk, 80s pop and glam than the melodic hard rock of his main project. Niki Thunders offers three moody songs on Myspace that are somewhat varied musically, yet very cohesive.

"To Die Like Morrison" begins quietly and moves toward driving punk and metal rhythms, dark goth vocals and a mix of synth and guitar layers. There are interesting hints of ska that crop up which creates tension in the otherwise dark song. Even the bombastic hard rock parts work really well in their role. The lyrics deal with serious questions about the nature of God, a topic that easily falls into cliches , but not here. Next up is the 80s alterna-pop of "The Sickness of Dreams." It taps into the Cure and New Order, but offers it up on a plate of hard rock that replaces the drama of its influences with a more believable edginess. "A Vietnam in the Neighborhood" is similar in influence to its predecessor, but has more punk energy and once again incorporates hints of ska that work subtly against the current of the song.

Niki Thunders seems to be much more free in its creative expression than Skitzo Calypso, perhaps because it's a singular vision rather than a collaboration. However, Brad Cox has enough breadth of influences that he subtly weaves into the music to keep things interesting. I'm definitely looking forward to more from this project.

Check out the review of Skitzo Calypso's latest, Between the Lines and Beyond the Static.