Grumpynators - 'Wonderland'

It's the original touch that turns this into a good album instead of simply a mediocre one.

Sharing many traits with fellow countrymen Volbeat may just pique your interest in this unusually named band that features a double bass player rather than the traditional choice of an electric one.

The Volbeat connections don't stop at the blend of Metal and Rockabilly; guitarist Christian Norgaard featured as Volbeat's touring acoustic guitarist whilst the other band members supported Volbeat with the Neo-Rockabilly band Taggy Tones. The band's other claim to fame – although unrelated to Volbeat – is that it now features ex-Jackal drummer Per Fisker.



The main distinction between Volbeat and The Grumpynators is that the latter do everything at speed; frantic riffing stands alongside clickety-click drumming and double bass swing on 'Walked Away', 'Mama No' with even the Motörhead-esque Metal of 'Pray For Your Life' but adds to it a Rockabilly element.

It's effective, with the album (the band's debut) providing something different to the traditional Metal genre. Guitar solos are all present and correct and there's enough crunch to fuel a bowl of cornflakes but it's the original touch that turns this into a good album instead of simply a mediocre one.

Mike Newdeck