Recorded over one ocean, two continents and with two people. This was more of a side project for Ginger Wildheart. But it seems to have evolved from being sidelined as one of his many ventures to his so far main release this year.
The music is not that hard to get a mix of pop, punk and rock. Nothing that will shock any rock n roll fans out there and I think that is why it is getting attention. On Round Records in the UK the album has been picked up in America by The End Records. This may be helped by the fact the second member is Victoria Liedtke a New York singer who has been using her vocal talents in the Ginger Wildheart Band for a few years.
First track "Black Valentine" has all the ingredients used in the whole album. Big sing along vocals and a nice touch of guitar to get the head nodding. All instruments were played by Ginger inc the drums and these ears are impressed as the album does sound big. Each members voice fits in so well swapping some lyrics and harmonies to keep the ear keen.
"Feral Days" starts off like a classic punk band making the crowd notice them, then into some fantastic choruses. Pop punk was a name given to many bands in the 90s as the years roll on the term has been used to describe many chart bands but it still needs that punk part and the guitar noise here helps keep that. But the pop is back in "Why Can't I Be Me Without You" keeping the album engulfed in catch hooks and riffs it leads into "Swimwear" a song about summer?
Don't care what it is about it is fun. Get ready to sing along when on the bus and have a few funny looks. not exactly the lyrics from an Abba album but hey it works. "Lock for Rock (And Other Sporting Cliches)" has some nice lyrics and great song writing. Catching anyones attention with that alone it is again riddled with pop music.
With most tracks under 4 minutes "The Thrill of It All" is the second longest and the first more serious rock song here. Still containing vocals that should be used on all radio play lists it builds nicely into what is my highlight track. "How I Survived the Punk Wars" is a track that I first saw by it's amazing video (Check you tube) it is aptly named and pokes fun at those who may have a grudge with the musicians that can get success after hard work. The X Factor is for fakes and wimps, get on a stage and show what you can do is the message... well I like to think so. But seriously the song is fantastic, adding in more punk for the mix.
Back on track "I'm Gonna Kiss You Like I'm Going Away" takes the album to it's penultimate track. More power pop again and all out fun as you expect. Final track goes out in style "We're Outta Here" has used the studio time well and Ginger knows how to make an album big church choir sounds mixed with horn sections and harps.
The album was funded by fans as an exclusive one off album. The fans were asked if they mind it being released commercially to the world. They said yes and here it is 36 minutes of catchy alt pop for music fans. Replay value is high on an album like this. As you really never get fed up with pop music, people say they do but after a few beers they are up on a Saturday night dancing. But only when it is this good.
8.5/10
Available in the U.S.A. via The End Records
Available in the U.K. via Amazon
Twitter: 29xthefun
