Retro music as retro as this is not something I listen to a lot. Nick Waterhouse is the closest comparison I can make that I actually listen to. So why on earth am I reviewing this album, you might wonder? Well, I discovered their label last year. Wap Shoo Wap is a Dutch label specialized in old school punk and released a couple of real gems, mostly singles. One of those singles was “Do Me Good” , last year’s single by The Mocks that talked about at the kitchen table. From all the singles (and splits and one album) I got from Wap Shoo Wap I choose to talk about this single for a reason. I really enjoyed it and played it alot.
That should give you enough background information to explain to you my excitement about the debut full-length release by this Dutch band. As mentioned in my column they play a very sixties sounding rock punk hybrid. Funny thing about the band is that they not only opted for a sound from way back when, but also present themselves as if they are a band from that era that was frozen in time for a bit. The artwork of this album surprised me a bit because of that. I would have expected something much more retro than this.
The artwork does not foreshadow a shift in sound. In fact, that single I mentioned earlier opens the record. It is a smart thing to open your record with such a great tune. It is also a way to challenge yourself. You have to maintain this high level of songwriting for 9 more tracks. For the first couple of tracks this seems to work out just fine. However, half way through the record the songs get a bit mellower. They are still well written, but miss that proto-punk energy that I enjoy so much from the singles that preceded the album. “The Spy” reminds me a bit of Guitars On Drugs. It is a tune that could have been used in one of those old-school Bond movies. It is well written, but it lacks the urgency I appreciate so much from their earlier work.
I have to take some time to compliment the production of this record. It is crystal clear, and fittingly old school. The drum sound is amazing, it sounds really open and natural. I wish more bands would use this sound. I also really appreciate the audible bass. It is a bit of a pet peeve of mine, but I dislike it when the bass gets deeply buried in the production. This production sounds very dynamic, which really benefits the album.
While the cover put me on the wrong foot, the album is still very old school. Unfortunately, there is some mid album drag that holds this record back. I find myself listening more to a playlist with all the previous singles than I listen to this album. However, if you are looking for a great take on sixties music, this might be right up your alley.
