Tracks Of The Week 17.03.14 - GigslutzGigslutz

If it’s a bit of ebullient garage-rock you’re after, then Norwegian Grammy nominated, Death By Unga Bunga, are the guys for you. About to release their third album, DBUG’s new single – ‘Tambourine’ – is full of catchy, trippy melodies with a distinctly retro, Beach Boys-esque aura.

Still in their early twenties, it seems that their kooky, unique name isn’t the only thing that Death By Unga Bunga have going for them. Already one of Norway’s most in-demand live acts, it’s easy to understand this band’s speedy rise in popularity when listening to the joyous ‘Tambourine’. Upon hearing its twinkly harmonies, Olsen’s swooning vocals and its soulful ‘60s beat, this jubilant ditty is capable of transporting you to a field on a summer’s day, floating on the breeze, flowers in hair and tambourine firmly in hand.

Death By Unga Bunga’s new album, ‘Like An Animal’, is out on April 7th via Jansen Plateproduksjon.

KLP, aka Kristy Lee Peters, has been cited as one of Australia’s most exciting new talents; and it’s easy to see why. Latest single, ‘Decide’, lacks some of the darker electro-pop vibes of last year’s ‘Slow Jam’, instead replacing them with perky, uplifting beats.

This latest offering from KLP is filled with sensuous, multi-layered vocals and an ‘80s disco, Madonna-esque vibe. A sublimely sunny track that will have you dancing around the room, hairbrush-mic in hand, in no time.

Currently showcasing her talent at SXSW, and with some hot collaborations in the pipeline – as well as some more exciting solo offerings – this antipodean DJ/producer/vocalist looks set to make her mark in 2014.

Liverpool trio, Triphazard, are back with a vibrant, energy-fused offering: ‘Lynch Mob’, the first track to come from their new EP. With blasts of grungey, angst-driven rock and a post-punk buzz, this track is a powerfully anthemic eruption of sound that will excite and stimulate the senses.

Set for release on 14th April, new EP -‘Polestar’ – is filled with four tracks, all as relentlessly intoxicating as ‘Lynch Mob’ and, I think it’s safe to say, it will see Triphazard exploding into waves of success in the very near future.

The members of Foo Fighters have all had involvement in various other projects: Dave Grohl – QOTSA, Probot, Sound City, to name a few, Nate Mendel – Sunny Day Real Estate, Chris Shiflett – Me First And The Gimme Gimmes… I could go on. Taylor Hawkins has previously tried his hand at fronting a band with ‘Taylor Hawkins And The Coattail Riders’ and ‘Chevy Metal’; now he has once again teamed up with Wiley Hodgden and Mick Murphy and made his way out from behind the drum-kit to form The Birds Of Satan.

I must admit, I do have a soft spot for Taylor’s gruff vocals and endearing, child-like energy as he bounces across the stage whilst blasting out lyrics and so – for me – any outlet that gives us the opportunity to bear witness to these lovable antics is one to anticipate with excitement. And the first offering to come from The Birds Of Satan does not disappoint.

‘Thanks For The Line’ is more Eagles Of Death Metal than Foos – a classic rock-inspired anthem that pays homage to the likes of T Rex and the Sabbath in true Hawkins style. With tongues firmly in cheeks, ‘Thanks For The Line’ offers us crazy, heavy-rock licks, cowbells a plenty, and even comes equipped with its own melodic, piano-filled interlude (no doubt inspired by Taylor’s beloved Queen): all in all, an exceedingly enjoyable slice of scuzzy rock.

The Birds Of Satan’s eponymous debut is set for release on 14th April, contains a mere seven tracks (the first of which is ten minutes long) and sees appearances from fellow Foos – Mr Grohl and Pat Smear. A must have for lovers of all things r’Hawk.