Baby Scream is the international band centered around the unstoppable talent of Juan Pablo Mazzola. Since the band’s 2001 inception in Argentina, it has existed as a solo act, a duo and has had several visiting musicians. Through it all, Mazzola is the man behind the magic. He is lead singer, song writer and guitarist. Muddy Stardust and Eric Dover both contributed to the self-titled album Baby Scream, both with guitar and backing vocals.
“Jekyll & Hyde” is a glimpse into the mind of someone on the frayed edge of reality, losing control slowly as the song progresses. Mazzola leads in with breathless, eerie vocals. “Since you’ve been talking to your bedroom floor, on and on. Your contrition starts to fray. In a Jekyll and Hyde sort of way.” The guitar picks up and the multi-instrumental element takes over, shifting the song into full gear. Images of people, swirling satellites and a mind that is going deeper into confusion are some of the images Mazzola gives you as you follow him down the road into madness willingly. “Why don’t you pray? Why don’t you pray it all away?”
“The Ghost of Valerie” is a power packed track with guest guitarist and background vocalist Eric Dover. Guitars flair out like wildfire and the lyrics punch holes through your sensibilities. Mazzola sings about the demons that are haunting the mind of his girl Valerie and the ruination of his life. “They are sick from moment one. Black magic and voodoo are their only fun.” The fluidity of the guitar work in this piece is phenomenal. The lyrics and musical element really make this song resonate with the listener. Mazzola carries you up as the song climbs and floats you down again as he tries to deal with the effects of mental illness on his life.
“Nipone” is a delicate blend of guitar work and lyrics. This is a song of love gone wrong. “I don’t think you’re alive anymore. I’m out of hope. I don’t think you can love anymore.” Mazzola takes you on the journey of a man who has tried to find something redeemable in his relationship, but she has locked herself away from him and he now realizes that she has nothing more to give. He is trying to decide who he is supposed to be as his love affair grows cold. There are some intriguing musical elements at work that make this song stand out from the other tracks in this album. There is an elegance created by tinkling bells, Asian flairs and whispered venom that will have you listening to this track more than once.
Juan Pablo Mazzola is the international wonder that is Baby Scream. The 70’s rock feel of this self-titled album is a mellow journey with subtle strengths. If you like The Replacements or John Lennon you will find elements of their style here. It is a blend of classic rock and Powerpop. The song themes vary from girl troubles in “Nipone” to mental illness issues in “The Ghost of Valerie” and “Jekyll and Hyde” and the end of the world in “Watching the End of the World (on TV).” When asked about the meaning behind the band name Baby Scream Mazzola described the screams that erupt as a baby is being born, and the fear of being alive. All of Mazzola’s lyrics are rich with imagery and the musical quality of his work is superb.
Key Tracks-Jekyll & Hyde, The Ghost of Valerie, Nipone
Dana Wright-Muzikreviews.com Staff
August 5, 2011
