Well worth your rock dollar.
Hailing from Sweden, Badmouth have just released their second album which is, to use an over-used phrase, “in your face”. Adding to this key attribute is the variety of rock genres on display in this very enjoyable album produced by Chips Kiesbye (The Hellacopters). He has certainly caught the band with a good crisp and clear sound with the guitars well up front.
Starting with ‘Son of Sam’ this sounds like Velvet Revolver at their best with a Slither-like hypnotic riff and menacing half spoken vocals. A more straightforward couple of songs follow or so it would seem - but halfway through the third track ‘Judas’, an Iron Maiden style gallop and arpeggiated solo appears out of nowhere and turns into a punk style breakdown complete with bass run. Not an everyday occurrence, which is then followed by a classy Alice Cooper sounding track ‘Silver Lining’. This band is clearly here to keep the listener on their toes.
Strong tracks, notably ‘City is Burning’ and ‘Blue Ribbon Days’ abound through the middle of the album and then we are upon the title track. I presume this is meant to be vaguely ironic and fits with the retro cartoon cover of an idyllic heavy rock community. A catchy chorus just about makes this track work and I’m sure I heard a cowbell there in the mix to add the atmosphere.
The strong song-writing and musicianship is displayed in full throughout the album. A minor quibble is the placement of the only ballad ‘Jakes Brakes’ as the tenth track. Such a distinctive song, it could easily get lost in the tail of the album. I can only imagine Badmouth would be fantastic live, with three of the band on guitar. Solos abound on the album, and as hinted at before, if you like Slash you will like what´s on offer here. Badmouth have been together since 2007 and the tightness of the band´s playing that has developed since then is very apparent.
To fans of medium to heavy rock who want to support and champion a newish band, I would recommend this album. It will repay multiple replays and so is well worth your rock dollar.
Rob McKenzie
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