Bergen's I Do You Do Karate caused quite a stir when we reviewed their second album, One Last Job In Mexico in 2020. This was largely because it ticked so many boxes of what the average IDHAS follower likes. It went on to feature in the Top 10 of our Best 100 Albums of that year.
With a following here that has grown and added a younger audience, it will be interesting to see if Album 3 (or III) has a similar reaction. I think it will. Again on the splendid Australian label, Half A Cow label, the band's third outing is a cracker.
Peanut Carter kicks in with an Another Girl Another Planet Intro before raving up into great 80s Indie Rock with a hint of Jangle. Secretly Australian is great Jangle Rock, more like the American version, particularly vocal with a spectacular riff and solo.
Buckle Bunnies picks up the pace even more, but in a great UK late 70s way and Royal Loggerheads gets all Weezer. Plywood To The Moon is a much more laid back affair, almost Lounge, until another Guitar Solo lets loose.
HCF comes across as a more melodic New York Dolls and Egas Moniz mixes Brit Pop with the more modern-day Guitar Pop bands. Irene gets all Countrified, but gets very close to TFC. Indeed the inevitable early Teenage Fanclub comparisons may come from elsewhere. But if they are accurate, it is more a vibe, or the odd backing track. There isn't a song that is a direct nod.
What there is however is a real lyrical wit to accompany the big riffs and awesome Guitar solos. III is a real rock out, but also so melodic, littered with big choruses and sheer joy. The band name may confuse some, but the songs will absolutely delight.
You can listen to and buy the album here. You can find out more about the Half A Cow label here.
....................
Thanx. Ivar, IdYdK
ReplyDelete