So the new Guns N’ Roses album, Chinese Democracy, is about to finally drop after a near decade-and-a-half build-up. Most commentators are offering up the idea that it would have been smarter to just keep people on the hook with this endeavor because there’s no way the album could ever live up to the endless anticipation surrounding it. I was a huge fan of GNR in the Eighties but now I couldn’t care less, really. I’m expecting Democracy to emerge like a limp dick on Prom night.

So what could generate more anticipation than an album 13 years in the making? How about a new The Sisters Of Mercy recording? The act is swinging into town next week for a show at First Avenue and there’s a buzz in the scene about getting to see this classic act in a live setting once again. While they’ve played “new” songs live in the recent past it’s been fifteen years since any fresh material has been put to record. In a new interview with Side-Line lead guitarist Ben Christo made mention of his influence on the newer songs;

“We’re very much involved in writing the new material. I like to think that Chris (Catalyst, guitarist) and I have brought a youthful exuberance to the band. It’s less morose and more energetic.”

The rest of the interview is fairly bland and lacks relevant or revelatory information (like most Side-Line interviews) but the thought of a youthful, energetic version of The Sisters Of Mercy that is “less morose” certainly elicited a chuckle.