The influence of Alice Cooper in the so-called ‘Shock Rock,’ a kin to bands like Kiss, Rammstein, Slipknot, among others, goes beyond just music. The term refers to the incredible live productions that rock bands used as a differential, employing elements primarily from theater to create a 360-degree experience. Alice Cooper was among the first bands (originally conceived as a band) to create these kinds of experiences that astonished audiences, becoming a clear and direct influence on Kiss.
Today, we’ll discuss ‘Killer,’ a classic album by the band where a more consolidated sound began to emerge while maintaining its theatrical origins.
What can we listen to?
It’s a theatrical Rock piece, accompanied by excellent instrumentation that resonates completely with the era. ‘Killer’ is undoubtedly a classic that evokes nostalgia when you listen to it. It was essentially produced using the basic instruments of the genre, along with a few synthesizers. Such works reflect the attitude and talent of the bands. With no advanced studio editing techniques available at the time, the responsibility and commitment of the musicians were crucial. Therefore, the performance played a significant role.
Alice Cooper’s voice is dramatic, explosive, and at the same time, very punk, as heard in “You Drive Me Nervous.” It feels as if he’s more concerned with communicating his message than showcasing vocal virtuosity. This, combined with the band’s disruptive passages, is pure gold. For instance, ‘Halo of Flies’ demonstrates Alice Cooper’s band concept excellently, allowing space for everyone. There are even dissonances in the intro, something that not many dare to propose due to the complexity of such sounds without falling into experimental realms.
The album’s balance is found in “Desperado,” a song dedicated to the late Jim Morrison of The Doors. It begins in a ballad-like style, later transforming into a dynamic song with string arrangements that add variety to the work.
A Classic Sound…
The unmistakable analog sound of that era is evident in ‘Killer.’ What makes it special beyond this is the tremendous instrumentation a very different kind of rock classified as classic. Instrumental passages here are quite distinct from what the era typically offered. For instance, in ‘Dead Babies,’ the lucid bass, warm and attacking, sets the tone for the entire song. This might be our favorite track from the album, resonating with a strong Beatles influence and featuring memorable guitar riffs.
Speaking of guitars and bass, Alice Cooper as a band always had a distinctive sound in these instruments. Their chemistry was palpable, occasionally jamming amidst the recording, as heard in ‘Killer,’ the closing track of the album. It contains a lot of blues and experiments with harmonies, sometimes even venturing into atonal territory.
‘Killer’ concludes magnificently with a song that breathes life into theater, horror, and drama, leaving behind a living monster that promises to return with more music.
The Beginning of a Series of Hits
“Killer” represents the start of a legacy. Although the band later disbanded and continued as a solo project, this ‘format’ will always be remembered with nostalgia. They managed to make a difference in their live shows as well as their studio albums, particularly those produced by the great Bob Ezrin, an iconic producer of the 1970s who worked with incredible bands like Kiss, Kansas, among others.
What are your thoughts on “Killer”? Leave us your comments!
