The Fevers--gaan daar waar de meisjes zijn
Alien Snatch 2003
When you mention "pop" music to most self-respecting rockers these days, you're likely to be met with a look of disgust--images of the garbage pimped by MTV and the like springing to mind. However, there are still those who remember kinder, more flattering times for the form. If we get more bands like the Fevers and more albums like their superb gaan daar waar de meisjes zijn coming our ways, "pop" might just stop being such a dirty word, once again becoming something worth embracing.
For those unfamiliar with the Fevers, they play pristine power pop with a slight 60's garage rock edge to it. The best overall comparison to these guys would be the Troggs, though this album also feels very akin to the handclap littered bubblegum of Nikki Corvette. Still, Gavin May's nasally vox bears more than a glancing resemblance to Reg Presley's--for its ability to be simultaneously gutteral, perhaps Mike Maker's voice on all the Makers albums up through Hunger, as well. The production quality here is clear as a bell which suits the material perfectly. That's not to say gaan daar waar de meisjes zijn lacks balls, though--these performances all retain just enough rawness and looseness to keep a bit of an edge. Translation: everything here is just right.
Gaan daar waar de meisjes zijn is a virtual classic, based on its impeccable songwriting alone. This album is completely without fault, every song being top shelf quality and flowing in and out of themselves seamlessly. That said, there are a pair of standouts on this disc. First, "Love's Gettin Better" which is one of the most infectuous gallops of a song ever laid to tape. Ditto for "Ooo That Kiss," its stomp of a chorus proving too irresistable to say no to.
Lots of bands try to cop a vintage vibe, and while successful at it, wind up feeling a bit dull. The Fevers may very much recall the sounds of the past but gaan daar waar de meisjes zijn still feels like one of the most vital listens you'll ever lay ears on. As long as there are still bands like this around, worthwhile pop music actually stands a fighting chance. This one's a winner.
Score this CD directly from ALIEN SNATCH |
