THELMA & THE SLEAZE

Thelma and the Sleaze by Jamie Hernandez

Back in 1977, Cheap Trick wrote a song called: Southern Girls. It’s an ode to the down and dirty rock and roll vixens occupying the space south of the Mason Dixon. 40 years later we have Thelma and the Sleaze making good on the promises Robin Zander made.

Thelma and the Sleaze are a group of bad ass ladies with a penchant for Thin Lizzy and setting a good example of what can be accomplished if women unite under rock and roll. They did a stint opening for the Eagles of Death Metal, a more fitting group of road warrior pairings I cannot imagine, and have been traversing the land making friends and enemies for several years now. Their NSFW video for the single, “Maria” has been making the rounds and is a statement as much about reclaimed female sexuality as it is about rock and roll. Seriously, no matter who you are if you don’t come away from that video a little steamy under the collar, the case could be made that you’re dead; or dying; or possibly a eunuch; the point is it’s hot stuff.

Their newest offering is a cassingle called, Somebodies Doing Something with the title track of, Secretary; A ballad that bridges the divide of their influences. It’s got some shoe-gazey elements without losing any of the horn throwing rock n roll-ness that makes them such a fun live band. Why You Wanna Do That? Is the bluesy B-side soaked in sweat and even girl group harmonies reminiscent of wall of sound era Ronnie Spector. It’s a cornucopia of all of the stuff that makes rock and roll fun, sexy and ageless. “All you Southern Girls got a way with your words and you show it…” indeed, Robin Zander, indeed.

Thelma and the Sleaze play March 3 at Respectable Street w. Killmama and The Water Colors Tickets $5, at door, 18+, 9pm and March 4 at Churchill’s w. Sonic Graffiti, Grey 8’s and Killmama. $8 advance, $10 at door.
~ Tim Moffatt