Pip Hancox has put together a cracking album. The underlying sound and feel is one of psychobilly, which is no surprise coming from the frontman of Guana Batz. The clickety click of the drums, the sound of the bass, the vocals. It is all unmistakable. Not too mention the dark overtone of the album, something a little sinister.
The album has an undeniably catchy feel that you could imagine a small venue packed and singing along to them. After the intro, you are thrown straight into “London Streets” with it’s foot tapping beat, and aggressive feel. “You ain’t getting any sleep tonight, Oh No”. It’s the scene for the rest of the album.
The psychobilly feel continues into “Toxic Twins” as the vocals start getting manic, riding on the strong psycho bassline battling the drums. Things then take a slight change with “Sally” with it’s annoylingly catchy melody. Followed by “Black Door City” which has the merest hint of Ministry, if only for the distorted guitars, vocals, and fast paced rhythm (but that might just be this reviewer!).
The pace slows for “Beautiful Creature” an interestingly crafted piece returning with a slower paced and delivery. The pace regains itself for “7th Daughter” with that recognised rhythm section. “Ellinore” has a great guitar rift punctuating the song about a girl who witnessed something undisclosed to the listener. Followed by The appropriately titled “Carburetor”, an instrumental, that has that rich feel of old school rockabilly fused with a modern sound, a few samples, and great petrol fuelled guitar work, drop the roof and listen to the engine.
“Bleed” returns to that darker place again. With it’s rich guitar work providing a smooth backdrop for the gritty and unpleasant lyrics. A perfect combination! “As the band lay on the floor bleeding out.”…All I want boy, is for you to bleed”. “Shake” has a rich solid sound opening the drums underpinning the slightly distorted guitars with a few seductive samples to entice the listener into what could be the darker side of strip clubs.
The title track, “Vegas Lights”, is a track that does not quite fit in with the others, a little bit left-field, but is possibly one of the best on the album. A slow almost acoustic number with no psychobilly styled bass, but beautiful guitar work.
Closing with a cover of “Call Me”. Considering the iconic nature of Debbie Harry, not too mention the persistence of their hits, this one might not be to everyones tastes. It is almost a direct copy of the original, done well, but not original in it’s approach. Although, still good fun to listen to.
This album demands to be listened to a number of times, with it’s cathcy hooks, gritty feel, fast paced rhythm, and predominantly dark lyrics. It is a bass line thumping journey into the darker side of life. It’s also a good chunk of fun. Performed live in a small venue this is guarenteed to get the crowd going.
The album was released on 7th December, and is well worth a checking out. Now to see if I have any Guana Batz buried in the collection…
Track Listing
Intro
London Streets
Toxic Twins
Sally
Black Door City
Beautiful Creature
7th Daughter
Ellinore
Carburetor
Bleed
Shake
Vegas Lights
Call Me
Wordage by Jon “Dept. of Late Reviews”.
