Review by Paul Monkhouse for MPM
Renowned for their stellar live shows, Kent trio Bamboozle have brought the visceral thrill of Rockabilly bang up to date in fine style, perfectly capturing the pioneering spirit from when the nascent sound caused a global youthquake.
Whilst their hearts are very much worn on sleeves, they’re no slaves to the past and this new EP sees the band firmly looking towards the future and they flex and expand their sound. This is the outfit growing into its own distinct beast and one that may lose some of the purists but gain a whole new audience, drawn in by their spark and fire.
Straight off, the band throw in a curveball with their striking cover of Twenty-One Pilots bare boned ‘Heathens’, adding a real shimmer and heart to the song. Swinging and über cool, Bamboozle bring a delicious warmth and sensuality to the somewhat glacial number, turning it into a different thing altogether and one that highlights some of their most intoxicating qualities. The surprises keep coming as ‘Bleed’ melds touches of Ska into what is a shining New Wave pop gem, all shot through with the Rockabilly sound they’ve built their name on. It’s a glorious confection and one that will doubtless keep feet tapping.
For anyone worrying that the trio have lost their retro mojo, the second half of the EP will surely be a comfort as both ‘Rockin’ Man’ and ‘Ice Cold Beer’ capture that 50’s feel with perfection and a suave sense of period. Crackling with electricity, the former is a throbbing Rockabilly treat that oozes with danger and a switchblade edge, Serena Sykes vocals strikingly great.
She’s also no slouch with a double bass and the interplay between it, Jim Knowler’s guitar and the whip-smart drum sound of Jax Titmus is a heady combination that has more drive than a drag racer.
The closing number is gloriously tongue-in-cheek and superbly authentic in its stylings, the number made for bakelite radios and hot days. Perfectly crafted, you’ll probably find yourself immediately wanting to sink a nice bottle of suds, straight from the fridge on listening to this. Bamboozle may be spreading their wings as they grow, but they always bring the best party in town. Time to get well and truly Bamboozled.
Website
http://www.bamboozlehq.co.uk/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/BamboozleHQ/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/bamboozlehq/
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/bamboozlehq
Spotify
Open Spotify Artist Page – Bamboozle
Twitter
https://twitter.com/bamboozlehq
Reverbnation
https://www.reverbnation.com/bamboozle3
SoundCloud
https://soundcloud.com/bamboozlehq
