Tag: punk rock

The Tazers – Fantasy Factory album cover

The Tazers: Fantasy Factory Album Review

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

This is some high-octane rock and roll. Definitely a conglomerate of punk, 70s metal, and some psychedelia thrown in for good measure. Another album that hit me from the very first listen. I love the high energy and the overall groove on Fantasy Factory. The band definitely is overflowing with chemistry, making a studio album play like a live album. I have no idea how many takes each track took, but it seems as if they just rolled the tape and started playing. The production and mix are perfect, giving this album a live feel. There is nothing worse than when a band cannot reproduce the sounds of their studio album in a live setting, but I definitely get the feeling that this will not be the case for The Tazers.

The Tazers hail from South Africa. If we were playing word association, rock and roll and South Africa wouldn’t be a match for me. I know there have been a fair number of rock bands from there, but none I have been familiar with. That changes today, as The Tazers single handedly alter that perception.

There are no slow numbers on Fantasy Factory. It is a barn burner from the first note to the last. This is a power trio, and for three gentlemen, they generate a very large sound. No track exemplifies this monster sonic explosion better than I Want Your Love. This track is a perfect representation of their ability to fuse acid rock and doom metal. It features a healthy dose of 70s hard rock with some early Black Sabbath influences thrown into the mix. The guitar solos and general sound have Tony Iommi written all over it, serving as a tribute to the iconic riffs that defined metal over 50 years ago. After giving this track a few earnest listens, my eardrums need a respite, but I am compelled to return for a few more spins.

I misspoke or miswrote a little bit in the previous paragraph. I stated that there are no slow numbers on this release. Well, that isn’t exactly true. Figure It Out is probably the slowest paced song in the entire collection. I wouldn’t exactly call it slow, but slower. It documents the band delving ever so slightly into a rhythm and blues jam. It starts with a super funky drum intro that sets the mood for this tune at the outset. The song maintains a very steady pace and crescendos into an absolutely brilliant guitar solo that produces more smoke than a Texas Hill Country barbeque joint.

The energy in Fantasy Factory is infectious, making it a thrilling listening experience that encourages you to turn up the volume and let loose. You can almost visualize the band members vibing off each other, channeling the spirit of classic rock while pushing forward with their unique style. Each track maintains a relentless pace and an undeniable groove, showcasing the band’s impressive musicianship and the raw power that echoes through their sound. It’s a journey that leaves listeners exhilarated and eager for more.

Listen and buy Fantasy Factory here

Jimmy Pinch: Western Morning News – Album Review

Reviewed By Harry Kaplan

Did I just get hit in the head with a ten pound cinder block? No, I’m listening to Jimmy Pinch’s new album, “Western Morning News“. Some may argue that those actions are one in the same. Jimmy, who hails from across the pond in England put out a dandy of a release last month that is quite worthy of some attention. This release is nothing fancy. What I mean by that is there is limited knob twisting, no production tricks, and no overdubs. Just a man, his band, and a multitrack. Here are some quotes from Jimmy’s Bandcamp page:

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From front to back: Kim Rancourt, Don Fleming, Steve Shelley, Joe Bouchard, and Gary Lucas

Interviewed by Harry Kaplan

Kim Rancourt may not be a household name, but he should be. Not only did he release one of the best albums of 2017 so far in Plum Plum, but Kim has always been in the right place at the right time. He grew up in Detroit and had the opportunity to see the MC5, The Stooges, and Sun Ra. He moved to New York and became a regular at CBGBs during the salad days in the mid to late 70s. Then Kim became hooked up with Sonic Youth and the 80s post punk bands of New York. Kim is also a tour guide at Lincoln Center and Coney Island. Most importantly, Kim is a super nice guy and incredibly humble. His stories are captivating and he gives a great interview.

KR = Kim Rancourt TL = TwangriLa

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