Steel Panther’s new live DVD British Invasion is exactly what you’d expect from these party metal revivalists: it’s big on spandex, catchy tunes, tongue-in-cheek lyrics and misogyny.
As lead singer Michael Starr declares after the first number, “this show is about getting fucked up and fucking hot bitches on a regular basis.”
Recorded at a 2010 show at London’s Brixton Academy, Steel Panther’s impressive musicianship shines throughout, particularly the playing of guitarist Satchel.
The songs are irresistibly catchy and a really authentic appropriation of the glossy 80s glam-metal sound.
That said, it’s a little bizarre (if not, downright offensive) to see the audience belting out lyrics like, “I’m in South Korea, broke out with Gonorrhoea”, or“stripper girl, on my lap, I hope I didn’t give you the clap” with actual strippers dancing on the stage.
It’s important to point out that Steel Panther are as much actors as they are musicians. That is, their in-between song jokes and theatrics are just important as the music but on this DVD, sometimes the banter falls short.
The random digs at Blink-182 and Hoobastank (remember them?) are hilarious, as is the constant self-deprecation from Satchel and Starr about everything from their music talents, appearance, age and sexual prowess.
But, as you may have guessed from the tone of this review, it’s the endless vagina jokes and general misogyny towards women that proves grating. Steel Panther are clearly a parody and these jokes are fine in doses. It’s just that the comedic value and ‘shock factor’ disappears after the first half hour.
Then again, it’s tough to fault Steel Panther for being so over-the-top in their caricaturisation of the 80’s glam-metal scene when you consider how accurate their parody actually is. But that’s another debate entirely.
Existing fans are the obvious audience for this DVD and accordingly, a behind the scenes documentary is also included.
Regardless of the musical or cultural merit of Steel Panther, British Invasion is an often entertaining, well-produced live performance that will delight those it was made for.
