(label)
22 March 2012 (released)
22 March 2012
Hailing from the illustrious city of Liverpool, The Dirty Rivers sound less like their label mates The Coral and Zutons, and much more like the ferocious guitars of “Headshrinker”. Originally highlighting the sound of BRMC as rock and roll foundations, the three tracks on the band’s Facebook page certainly nod their head to the world of garage rock, but do so with Crombie cut extraversion. The Followill flaying “We Won’t Play (Sex on Fire)” doesn’t beg the question of “What happened to my rock and roll?” but simply offers a two finger fuck you recompense to braces clad, crotch stuffed, Bono’isms. It’s a slightly awkward chorus to chew down without the Stooges riffery and youthful exuberance encouraging you to swallow, but much of that is what differs these tracks to “other rock and roll bands”.
The Dirty Rivers may be a traditional brand of guitar music, but there is a large divide between a pastiche and tradition, A divide filled by honesty and song writing craft, something The Dirty Rivers have in abundance. Having a group of guys in their early twenties in 2012, screaming “give me the money” is refreshing to say the least. The track in question paces along like “Richard the 3rd” spliced with psych reverb jangle and Marquee club drumming. Sitting slap bang in the middle of this is a beautifully breathless vocal assault by Mike Ellis.
“Shooters” is where the quintet really manages to shine. A little bit of Oasis, La’s, and Brian Jonestown Massacre. Yet again Mr Ellis’ vocal takes president as we are treated to a wash of summery Kinks melody and Crystal Stilts echo. A chorus fed by the lines “You can say what you want, your mama she’s gone, she ain’t coming back” almost feels wrought enough to occupy itself on WU LYF’s record, but continues to pile on with collective positivity. Musically the track is equal to any of the singles “Suck it and see” presented us with, and gives us an insight to the potential of these Merseysiders.
