Modern day flash metal brats Robin Black have spent the better part of the last few years walking a very fine line – sure, it’s one thing to say you’re the greatest rock n’ roll band on the planet, but it’s another thing to actually pull it off, and survive for more than an album or two while doing it (did somebody say suicide?). So, this makes Instant Classic, the second album from these sassy Canucks, the definitive moment in their glittering career.

They’ve got two new members this time around, including John “The Creep” Kerns (ex-Age of Electric) on bass, and they gloriously dropped the whole space theme they sported on their first album, Planet Fame, (hence the name change from Robin Black and the Intergalactic Rock Stars to the more convenient Robin Black). They also upped the musical ante, adding more crunch, more raw power, and more delicious riffs – it’s like, the makeup is still as vibrant, but they’re now wearing tight rock tees and studded belts instead of platform boots and feather boas, ya know? Basically, it all adds up to an album that’s equal parts Rocky Horror Picture Show, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, New York Dolls, and Sweet. The big shiny tunes here include the first single “Over You,” “Shoot ‘Em Up Now,” “This One’s Gonna Hurt You Bad,” and the dreamy ballad “Seventeen,” all of which will stick to you like a barrel o’ poisonous honey, and that’s exactly what you want out of your sleaze rock, trust me. It’s all hits here, really, and there’s no doubt that you’ll be the lone ranger amongst the throngs of teenage sweethearts who’ll be following Robin Black around the globe. But get used to it, jack, ‘cause once the flash metal revival hits (and it will soon, trust me), there’s a good chance the band will toss you a few of them dripping groupies your way.

Anyway, I’m not sure that Robin Black is the greatest rock band on the planet, but if they keep writing tunes like these, all pink and trashy and, ya know, just fuckin’ good, then I’ll be the first one puttin’ on the eyeliner. Now that would be classic.

Listen: Over_You (sample)