In the three years since making their major-label debut with a cool and cocky self-titled album, Morningwood’s vocalist Chantal Claret and bassist Pedro Yanowitz have split to different coasts, endured couples’ therapy (though their union is strictly creative), and redefined the passion that brought them together in the first place.
Diamonds & Studs twists up their glam-tinged sass and street-smart appeal for a gut-punching dose of true, unabashed rawk that’s somehow still danceable. Claret is even more fiery this time out, particularly on the decadent pop flecks of “Best of Me” and “How You Know It’s Love.” But it’s the hungry electric riffs of “Bitches” and the dizzying synths of “Hot Tonight” that equal the sexy confidence of Chrissie Hynde and Karen O. One listen to “That’s My Tune,” poised to be this year’s “Hollaback Girl,” and you’ll understand.
