The only reason why we won't be seeing this anytime soon is because sex, which involves removing one's horn-rimmed glasses and undersized Interpol T-shirts, is so novel and frightening to the average scenester, that their erections will permanently disappear at the mere thought of copulation. Their loss.
In any case, almost every song on There is a Difference is akin to a horny August afternoon where the heat pulses and sensualizes every action. They're perfect in their writhing, animal intensity. But like the best sexual music (from Marvin Gaye to Prince), the Doll Rods' most lascivious tendencies are infused with a palpable sense of spirituality and perhaps that's what makes their cover of "Amazing Grace" so spectacular and exciting. The band destroys the stereotype of the freckle-faced innocent wailing "Amazing Grace" at an unfortunate friend's funeral while an overweight choir director fumbles on the piano.
Gone is Whoopi Goldberg pretending to be a Vegas Showgirl pretending to be a nun. All that's left is the passion and holy brimstone fire which scorches and inspires this fallen Catholic of a reviewer. If most churches today had the evangelical power that the Doll Rods imbue in their rendition of "Amazing Grace" and their "Medley" of spirituals, they wouldn't need to send people door to door. The Demolition Doll Rods have built a salacious church of their own with this release. For anyone who wants to let themselves go, this is the record to find some enlightenment.
Reviewed by Megan Giddings
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