When one mentions Diablo Swing Orchestra, the most often-used term to describe them has been “novelty act.” Their unique blend of styles often makes for rather silly songs, a fact made evident by their process of naming songs and albums such as Sing-Along Songs for the Damned and Delirious and “Memoirs of a Roadkill.” Even the cover art suggests that the band revels in their chosen style of metal music. With that in mind, they have released a new album in Pandora’s Piñata, and if you’re familiar enough with Diablo Swing Orchestra then you know exactly what to expect.

From the opening track “Voodoo Mon Amour,” it is clear that Diablo Swing Orchestra is making music for a night out on the town in your best 1920’s-era clothing. The upbeat mood continues on “Guerilla Laments,” which is just as much of a throwback to that time period, only with a little Mariachi music thrown in for good measure. Vocals are not going to appeal to everyone’s tastes, and considering that it matches the ‘out there’ presentation of the music, that’s fine with Diablo Swing Orchestra. 

Of course, it would not be Diablo Swing Orchestra without the odd twist in the music, and that happens on “Aurora,” which comes across as a soundtrack or a musical type of song (“Somewhere over the Rainbow” from Wizard of Oz comes to mind). “Mass Rapture” moves the band towards its most metal sounding song on Pandora’s Piñata. The entire album has a disjointed feel going from song to song, but the unpredictability of album is what makes it worth the listen. The band goes back to its swing ways with “Honey Trap Aftermath,” and while the entire album is fun, the one main question about any Diablo Swing Orchestra music is long-term play, something the band seems unconcerned about. This album is no exception. 

With a name like Diablo Swing Orchestra, it is reasonable to expect the unexpected when it comes to the compositions. Pandora’s Piñata is by no means a perfect album, and certainly its disjointed nature will leave more than one listener lost. However, if you put conventional thought aside, then Pandora’s Piñata can be quite the listenable experience.

TRACK LISTING

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments:

1.  Voodoo Mon Amour
2.  Guerilla Laments
3.  Kevlar Sweethearts
4.  How to Organize a Lynch Mob
5.  Black Box Messiah
6.  Exit Strategy of a Wrecking Ball
7.  Aurora
8.  Mass Rapture
9.  Honey Trap Aftermath
10.  Of Kali Ma Calibre
11.  Justice for Saint Mary

Total playing time:  53:01

Release Date: May 22, 2012
Label: Candlelight / Sensory
Records

Diablo Swing Orchestra - Pandora’s Piñata

Reviewer: Peter

May 14, 2012