It feels odd to apply the word, “maturity” to an album that kicks off with a track named, “Batshit Crazy.” Eh, maybe instead of mature, we’ll go with “self-assured.” Or maybe just “confident.”
Either way, this is music that knows exactly what it is, and what it wants to be. Mama Doom aren’t trying to reach the back seats of the arena, they’re trying to rock your face off in the bar & grill with the wings special on Tuesday nights. Although, given the sexy, gothic, 70s Horror feel of much of their lyrics, I think they’d end up chasing out the blue plate discount crowd.

D. Lolli brings so much sensuality to her vocals; they’re breathy and half-lidded in a way that conjures all kinds of psychedelic depths and visuals. Just listen to the lyrics and vocal approach on “Oh, Lucifer,” “Slither,” “Cherry,” and even “Werewolf.” Mama Doom are not Prince or Madonna here, but sex and psychedelia are most definitely components of their product.
The riffs are basically of the “house band” variety. When the aforementioned “Cherry” starts off, just about every guitar player in the room shakes their head and goes, “really??” - - but the song takes off into cool directions, and ends up being one of the more memorable ones on the record.
“Ash Bone Skin N Stone” is a major leap forward for Mama Doom from their past. The maturity is there (that word again); the belief in what they’re doing is infectious. I love the eerie keys and the swagger. Fans of The Bloody Hammers and Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats should really take a swing at this one.