Album Review: The Secret Things, Shock Diary

Despite only forming last year, LA-based trio The Secret Things already sound like a seasoned and well-oiled rock and roll killing machine. Founded out of friendship and a fondness for loud guitars and lairy vocals, they’re led by magnetic front-lady Cynthia Catania – a name that should be familiar around these parts.
The singer was last seen performing in Hot Press favourites Saucy Monky, alongside Dubliner Annmarie Cullen and fellow Secret Things member Steve Giles. Shock Diary is the Secret Things’ debut release and the five-track opus (partly recorded in the studio of the dearly departed Elliott Smith) offers a tantalising glimpse into their world, at the end of which you surely want to see and hear more.
Los Angeles seems to have seeped into their very marrow, as the mini-album is steeped in the sonic sensibilities of the city’s alternative scene. The opening one-two punch of ‘All The Way Down’ and ‘Lana’ in particular would be hard to beat. The former is a dynamic, distorted delight that rocks with the best of them, while the latter is a brooding number that builds to an explosive crescendo, filled with cracking guitar solos and sexily cooed vocals. Catania is the band’s MVP throughout, and her voice – which calls to mind erstwhile Horrorpops singer Patricia Day – should ensure the band won’t be a secret for long. This is a very fine debut offering.