This 6-song EP introduces a lively, radioactive guitar-bass-drums trio that should garner an acceptable rating among listeners fed up with the negative, back-stabbing lyrics of most bands on the go today. These guys �just wanna have fun� with music, and they aren�t ashamed to show it.
Extraordinary drummer Brad Wheeler demonstrates a percussive edge that captures the still-innocent but crackling energy of early �60s bands like the Dave Clark Five and Buddy Holly�s Crickets. He�s in non-stop motion throughout the disc, but there�s nothing redundant or repetitive being put forth here, just great, heavy-duty rhythm. The likewise busy Mike Dowding, who was cutting a deep groove on bass when I saw the band live at The Ship Inn (in St. John�s), stands out well on the disc without being overbearing.
Steve Edwards� otherwise pleasant singing voice comes out a bit thin on this recording, but he�s such a dynamic lead and rhythm guitar player, it�s easily overlooked. Some harmony vocals might assist him in the places where he can�t quite manage the lower range of notes (notably on �Grab It�). For that matter, all this band needs is a notable producer and the addition of the keyboards to give these well-crafted songs an extra �oomph�.
The band members have an affinity for fusing rock, funk and reggae (a la Sublime), as witnessed on the opening track, �Back of My Head�, as well as �A.P.B.�. There�s also a smidgen of New Wave-Punk influence that recalls Blondie, The Monks and Elvis Costello on �Happy All Day� and �Lure�.
This is the kind of music that will appeal to young children or other footloose, lighthearted people with an abundance of energy seeking release in a positive way. No doubt about it - if you want to get your ya-yas out (or just need some inspiration to get the housework done), you need look no further than Love Hijacker. I managed to get the very last copy of this EP (which didn�t even have the cover artwork to go with it), so you�ll be hearing more from these guys. This recording is not likely to be their �15 minutes of fame� (literally or figuratively). |
