|
Derdang Derdang is Archie Bronson Outfit's follow up to 2004's little
known but well received debut, Fur. It's a journey through the West Country
trio's brand of infectious bluesy garage rock and evocative of a head on
collision between The Kills and the Arcade Fire.
The first single pressed off Derdang Derdang was the demonic - though
frankly brilliant - Dart For My Sweetheart. Its strong, lo-fi vigor is a
perfect example of what this record is all about; infusing a dark garage
rock musical skeleton with addictive and memorable pop hooks - more hooks
than a gang of pirates having a fishing contest.
Add to this the blissfully miserable vocals of Sam, who sounds a dead
ringer for Win Butler of the aforementioned Arcade Fire, and the mix is nigh
on irresistible. Both lyrically and melodically he is brutally original.
"Pick a casket for me honey / It would be good to have your tongue," he muses
on Kink, whilst on Dart For My Sweetheart he moans: "Eight. Lose your hate,
it's a game / Come on love me, it's your fate." His engaging style is vital
to the distinct sound that Archie Bronson Outfit present.
The first five songs are one long highlight, with the fantastic Kink -
built around a mesmerising guitar riff - and the haunting Dart For My
Sweetheart as its centrepiece. By the end of the difficult and below par
Modern Lovers, however, it is clear that a dose of variety is necessary.
That dose is provided by Cuckoo, which tames the Archie Bronson beast somewhat
(however temporarily) and refreshes the musical palate, featuring charming
acoustic guitar and subtle backing vocals. After that Derdang Derdang
returns to its natural feral self and continues in the same vein as before.
The production and engineering of Jacquire King (Black Lab,
Saint James Infirmary) is noteworthy. He transforms guitars into
visceral, biting bastards, demanding attention against a backdrop of an
ever-strong rhythm section. That musical clich� that sometimes less is more
couldn't be more apt for Derdang Derdang.
The album concludes with Harp For My Sweetheart, a beautiful acoustic
rendition of the ferocious Dart For My Sweetheart. It's a perfect, endearing
conclusion to the album.
Derdang Derdang is steeped in deeply American rootsy blues music. It
sounds as much an American export as a nice juicy burger. That it is born
from a band whose roots lie in the West Country almost makes it more
remarkable. Something tells me Derdang Derdang won't get the attention it
deserves, but, if I was President - sorry, Prime Minister - then Archie
Bronson Outfit would be the new kings of rock 'n' roll.
Comments
|
 |
| 
ALBUM:
more