20th Century Boys from Fullerton, California are a newer band with an old school pedigree. Singer and guitarist Jeff Moses (The Flamethrowers, The Cornfed Project), bassist Mike "Rocko" Occhiato (The Flamethrowers, The Joneses, The Vice Principals), and drummer Jason Hubbard (Penal Colony) are all longtime fixtures of the L.A. rock 'n' roll scene. Unsurprisingly, their debut album (out on Rum Bar Records) reeks of the '70s and early-to-mid '80s in the most wonderful way. These 11 tracks take elements of sleazy glam rock, '70s punk, power pop, and dive bar rock 'n' roll and mash it all into a timeless and irresistible concoction. "Suzy" is a stone cold smash, and it's by no means the only banger in the bunch. There's nothing tricky or grandiose going on here: just good, solid rock 'n' roll with a beat you can dance to and hooks for days. Some tracks live at the intersection of dirty glam and power pop. Others bring to mind Johnny Thunders–inspired punk rock 'n' roll or the Stones at their booziest. I love hearing little nods to the classics (like the "Teenage Kicks" inspired riff on "Tricky Situation" or the "baaaaaby!" refrain on "Rumble at the Dance Hall" that tips its cap to The Dictators' "Stay With Me"). There's even a cool cover of a golden oldie by U.K. glamsters The Gunslingers. I can't imagine any fan of Rum Bar Records not digging this album, and it's exciting to hear music like this still being made and made well. Moses proves himself to be a fine songwriter and one hell of a guitar player. Since the recording of this album, Claude Guecia has taken over bass duties, but 20th Century Boys are going as strong as ever. When I was a young pup coming up in the music-reviewing world, it seemed like there were bands like this everywhere you turned. But now this sort of real-deal, tried-and-true glam-punk rock 'n' roll is not nearly as ubiquitous. Kudos to labels like Rum Bar for endeavoring to keep it alive!
1 comment:
Wow! Awesome review! Very few people catch our nod to The Dictators with that one line in addition to the others you mention. Right on!
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