BABY ANIMALS

Rip It Up, Issue 176, 1 March 1992, Page 33

BABY ANIMALS

Australian rock acts have never really been my favourite listening, but Baby Animals seemed to warrant a little further attention. Their Mike Chapman produced single 'Early Warning' does all the right things, a combination of your basic hard rock vibe and pretty catchy pop sensibilities. This can in part be attributed to producer Mike Chapman who has j worked with the likes of the Sweet and Blondie, but most of the kick comes from vocalist Suze DeMarchi who has a fine voice, most definitely a cut above the usual hollering rock monsters. So Suze, why does Australia keep producing all these total rock out bands? . "I suppose it's got a lot to do with the pub circuit, that combined with all the American and the Americanisms that we take into our lives in Australia. I think musically that affects us, although I was probably more affected by English bands like Free and Led Zeppelin and things like that." It's all a real traditional lads deal, this playing hard rock in pubs. How do they Jake to a woman being involved? I noticed a few marginal reviews where they seem more concerned about your sex appeal than the music. "Oh God, that's not our fault! But I guess in a way you can take it as a compliment, you know, here's this band with a girl singer and they're good. I don't really mind that, I like the compliments. I don't find I get treated any special way, there's the odd sexist remark, but I don't see a . lot of it and I tend to just write it off. I try not to portray the usual female sexpot though, I don't like that slut feminisim at all"

Warner, in rock do tend to be portrayed in a less than favourable light, either as Vixen style lingere models or as tough leather goddesses. "I detest that. I don't think the music coming from it is right either, it. hasn't got any soul or honesty. It's selling itself the wrong way. If people want to portray themselves that way then fine, but you have to take what you get. You're not going to be taken too seriously." There's plenty of people who can portray a sexy image without resorting to wearing their underwear on stage. "It should all be in the music, and I think our music is a lot sexier than someone like Transvision Vamp. It's the music that really counts."

KIRK GEE