Edmonton six piece Real Sickies really deserve a wider acclaim and this, their fourth album, might just do it. What is underlined here is the difference between the UK and US definition of Punk. Most US Reviews will have Love Is The Lovers as punk, here in the UK we look at this more as rocked up Power Pop.
We don't really think of The Ramones as Punk, more New Wave Garage Rock and that Ramones comparison can be a millstone. Yes, there are 14 songs in 35 minutes and there is great pace in all that the band do, that is really where the comparison ends. There is far far more to Real Sickies than just heads down and go.
The band are far more melodic than you'd imagine, you can actually tell what's being sung and the six piece adds greater variation with the liberal sprinkling of Organ added at times and they can get Indie Rock muscular, particularly on Queen Of Hearts which closes with a metal solo. If you want The Ramones, go to Rumbar, Real Sickies are far more interesting.
Hold On Baby is a great example of what they do, all Glam Rock with additional rock and roll piano and a killer guitar solo, it is an absolute joy to listen to. Keeping up the Glam content, there is a cover of T.Rex's Jeepster which although not essential, is really rocked up.
Destructive Nights is a fantastic slice of Power Pop, as catchy as catchy can be. Least Favourite OF Mine just has you shaking your fist, it is 100mph and that solo.............. Give and Take is even built around a Steve Nieve like Farfisa run. Don't expect the tempo to slow or any ballads, not that you'd want it to.
Canada should be really proud of this lot. Love Is A Lovers is an album that you just don't want to stop. It rattles your cage, has you playing air guitar and belting out the choruses. Real Sickies aren't The Ramones, they stretch out way too much. Highly Recommended!
You can listen to and buy the album here.
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