Review by Peter Syslo
THE NUNS (2008) is a DVD release from Salvation Films/Redemption USA (www.salvation-films.com). This company continues to put out exciting DVDs and THE NUNS is no exception. This DVD is a collection of performances, documentaries, and short films about the goth-fetish band, The Nuns. I was unfamiliar with the band until I viewed the SATANIC SLUTS: The Black Masses DVD ; their performance of “White Slave”, at The Marquee in London, was my first exposure to their act. The band is very intriguing, from the S&M look to the dark melodic nature of the music. This DVD captured a lot of behind-the-scenes activity and everything amounted to a pretty good documentary, about the band.
THE NUNS is a band which consists of the following members: Tiffany Tarantula (Jennifer Miro), Kris, and Father Jeff. The DVD contains the following video (16:9) features: live at The Limelight, New York; live at “Black Mass” The Marquee, London; 2 Episodes of New York Vampires (a two-part documentary of the band relaxing); the short film “Drucilla Darling”; the short film “A Message to Nigel; a promo video for “White Slave”; and an introduction and “Note” by Jennifer Miro. Also, there are numerous and extensive picture galleries included on the DVD.
I thought that this was a very cool DVD and it differed from the usual behind-the-music type of band documentary. Off the top of my head, I have to say that one of the best things about this DVD is that it gives someone an idea of the band but it doesn't totally expose the band, causing it to lose all of its “mystery”. What I mean by that is: did you ever watch a documentary about your favorite band and it took a little bit away from your enjoyment of their music? I know it sound weird but it is like watching special features on DVD, where they explain how they did the effects – it kind of shatters the illusion and when you watch it again, you (in my case at least) are less “awed” by the whole thing; it is like a magician telling the audience how he does each trick. I liked the fact that THE NUNS DVD preserved the mystique of the band – that attitude and the goth/fetish lifestyle were exemplified by the band members, in each and every bit of content. S eeing that level of honesty in the band (there really wasn't too great of a disparity between their real-life and their on-stage personas) made me like the band even more. The group members seem to live according to the spirit of their music and I connected with that.
Speaking of the music, it is very hard to resist. Their songs have the beautiful melodic quality of Gothic music but they also contain the “darkness” and heaviness of Doom Metal or slower-paced Black Metal. Miro's singing alternates between angelic passages of melodic “hooks” and a more declamatory style of speak-singing, in the manner of a dominatrix or of COF's Sarah. Father Jeff compliments the songs nicely, with more of a punk style of male singing, which is a combination of the declamatory and melodic styles. One of my favorite songs is “Suicide Child” - over the past week, I have found myself singing the perfectly-worded chorus, “You slit your wrists, you stupid bitch, my suicide child, my suicide child” - great stuff. I haven't heard a bad or boring song yet; their music is very accessible to all listeners and I think that it is satisfying and fulfilling.
Moving on to the appearance of the band, what more can be said? With Jennifer, Kris, Father Jeff, and the various dancers, their look completes the sound of the music. Jennifer, as the lead vocalist, has the flowing blond hair, the statuesque looks, and enhanced cleavage that would make Russ Meyer weep. Also, she has that sexy speaking and singing voice which makes for a very captivating presence, overall. Kris was the perfect compliment to Jennifer, as the raven-haired vampire who had that dark and mysterious allure. Sadly, Kris is now deceased but she will be remembered as part of the legacy of The Nuns. Father Jeff, who has been with the band since its beginnings in the 1970s, rounds out the gang and his priestly image is just great. Also, who can forget the various dancers who join The Nuns on stage? They always make for an exciting performance and they definitely augment the sexuality of each performance.
Gnawing through the flesh: THE NUNS is a really cool DVD. I recommend it for fans of the band and for anyone who is looking for some new/different listening experiences. I really enjoyed the DVD and I am going to purchase the band's catalog of recordings (New York Vampires is actually available on the Salvation website). Everything about the DVD was solid; the sound quality (although mono) was very good and production quality of the video footage was good (although it is framed in a “player” - which mainly looks best on a widescreen tv/monitor). Along with the performance footage, the short films were very well done; Jennifer is a natural storyteller and it is interesting to hear her speak about the history of the band. So, give the band a listen and check out the DVD. I give THE NUNS a 9/10.