The Beat Rats “A Cellar Full Of Rats”
They made quite an impression at IPO, making Kenny’s sound like The Star Club in Hamburg, Germany. This is Mersey inspired garage rock in all it’s glory. Opening with the instrumental “Beat Rats Theme” is as catchy as The Surfari’s “Wipeout.” This is not so much a Fab Four tribute, as a scruffy, raw re-creation of the British sixties combo, so fans of The Swinging Blue Jeans, The Big Three and The Dave Clark Five would love this as well. The guitar riff and snarl works wonders on “Mine All Mine” and “I Can’t Wait.” The poppy straight “No Good At Love” is another gem that follows closer to the early Beatles style. The vocals could use a bit more polish on the slower numbers like “Only 16,” but it’s the Duane Eddy/Link Wray instrumental genius of “Rat Fink” that will give surf guitar enthusiasts the goosebumps. The band also has loads of energy to go around, and the songs are short and sweet. What else do you need? Only for sale at Kool Kat Musik, it comes with a bonus 5 track live performance EP.
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The Sunny Boys “Beach Sounds”
In the cold of winter, it’s best to listen to music that’s warm and reminds me of those summer nights. And that’s exactly what this Italian Beach Boys tribute band is. They started their surfin’ safari at the end of 2003 when the long time hardcore fan Gianluca Leone (aka Brian The Captain) finally got the opportunity to form the band. All the dedication pays off, as even Jeffrey Foskett (Brian Wilson’s band) gave high praise for the song “Mahalo“. Beach Sounds aren’t straight covers but original songs with it’s own style, and includes pitch perfect harmonies and huge hooks. The arrangements are notable on the ballad “She’s My Summer Dream” where it weaves the vocals together seamlessly. It’s so gorgeous it goes above and beyond the typical tribute band. If you’re not listening carefully for the accents you’d swear this was a lost Beach Boys album circa 1964. It’s essential listening for fans of this style of pop. Eccellente!
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