L7 has trimmed down to a trio for the presumptuously titled THE BEAUTY PROCESS: TRIPLE PLATINUM, but it hasn't cut back on raw power. The album isn't likely to live up to either part of its title, but grunge-hungry fans aren't going to mind. With Greta Brinkman filling in on bass (Gail Greenwood of Belly took over the bass role shortly after the album was finished), the buzzsaw guitar-rock of THE BEAUTY PROCESS solidifies L7's position as a female Helmet with hooks.
Singer-guitarists Donita Sparks and Suzi Gardner grind out a thunderous sound that gives weight and power to lyrics like "My piss is yellow/And the sky is blue." Even when the band switches gears for an acoustic tune like "Me, Myself & I," the only thing preventing it from going ballistic is the lack of amplification.
Rovi