ROGER THAT!
"Flashback Fever" (Tee Pee Records; 2024)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
In case you were wondering, Roger That! has pants for every occasion. Seriously. Those are lyrics from the band's new album, "Flashback Fever." I mention that here so you get an idea of what you're in for when you listen to Roger That!
As on their previous album, "Mucho Gusto," "Flashback Fever" is eight tracks of a classic rock/new wave/punk-ish sound that is absolutely irresistible. The music is crisp, clear and just a little odd. There are elements here that bring to mind The Rolling Stones, The Cars and (gasp!) Kiss. And, even though the lyrics will put a smile on your face (see the above-mentioned "pants for every occasion), the music will do that first. It's just got such a fun, bouncy energy that you can't help but go along. It's like you're invited to a party you don't really want to go to, but you do anyway, and then you have a great freaking time. But I don't want you to think they're some kind of novelty act, because they're not. As often as the lyrics are funny here, they're equally clever and thought-provoking.
All eight tracks here are consistently entertaining, but my favorites were (yeah, once again) "Just Pants," the (comparatively) grinding, "Rogue's Gallery," and "Museum of Sexy" with its plaintive vocals and killer lead guitar solo.
I love bands and musicians who boldly carve their own niche into rock'n'roll, and Roger That! certainly accomplish that. Yeah, it may not be for everyone, but that's a big part of the charm, right? I think so.
For more information, check out https://www.facebook.com/kenjeremystevepaul.
"Mucho Gusto" (Tee Pee Records; 2021)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Roger That!'s "Mucho Gusto" is so damn weird I loved every minute of it. The first and title track, "Mucho Gusto" sounds like it could have come from a very early Thin Lizzy album. It's got that offbeat classic rock sound and vocalist Paul Bernstein even sounds a little like Phil Lynott. The tracks that follow still have a hint of that sound, complete with straight yet edgy guitars and rhythms, but sometimes they throw in a high-pitched vocal, a la The Darkness's Justin Hawkins, just to keep things interesting.
These NYC rockers walk the tightrope between classic rock, new wave and punk with a sound that's so genuine and so effortlessly energetic that the music gets right into your head. It's some of the freshest rock'n'roll I've heard in a long time. It feels real, if you know what I mean, but it manages to be fun at the same time. We don't hear enough of that these days.
My favorite tracks are the title track, The Knack-like "Disco Walk Up" and the irresistible "Sweet Ass Time" (complete with its cowbell intro) but every track on the album is sharp and dynamic.
"Mucho Gusto" is easily one of the most entertaining albums I've heard in this young year.
Roger That!: Paul Bernstein - vocals, harmonica, percussion; Ken Sehgal - guitar, backing vocals; Dirty Steve Austin - bass, backing vocals; Jeremy O’Brien - drums, percussion.
For more information, check out https://www.facebook.com/kenjeremystevepaul.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
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Copyright © 2024 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
