I'll get this straight from the outset: I love the first two Distillers records (Coral Fang was weak in my view) and I am punk through and through. And this album is not punk. But that doesn't make it bad, and certainly doesn't make it any sort of "sell out" or "betrayal", both things I have read people say foolishly about Spinnerette's debut.
Everyone needs to evolve as a person through their life; it's what keeps us interesting and challenging. What Brody Dalle has done here is a magnificent, confident evolution from furious punk siren into a fully rounded musician.
The songs are very highly produced, and have a feel of some of the early 90's post-industrial scene at times, with - yes, I know - a sprinkling of QoTSA and at times a hint of Garbage (not a compliment, but as a whole it works fine). What has bowled me over though is the sheer intensity and darkness of the album, even though it has plenty of humour and a much more "pop" feel than anything Brody has done before.
It has a deep, confrontational sexuality running through it, and an offbeat, minor-key melody which, interwoven with the powerful, multi-layered production just creates something monumental.
Stand out tracks are Ghetto Love, Geeking and Baptized by Fire but, to be honest, there isn't a bad track on here.
Don't expect the Distillers nitro-fuelled hard core, it isn't here, but come with an open mind and this could well blow you away. Play it loud - it's the best album I have heard this year.