Psychedelic surf-rock trio, Mojo Bozo’s Electric Circus from Maryland, USA serves up the perfect antidote to our quarantined anxieties on their aptly-titled second LP, Germ City - a set of tunes oozing menace, sensuality, and dark cinematic appeal. It’s like listening to a quintessential Tarantino movie soundtrack on loop and that too on steroids. Or imagine a manic Marilyn Manson singing over cranked up heavy surf rock songs while paying homage to the Big Muff in the lanes of Seattle. Well, you get it.
Since their stunning 2018 debut Electric Circus, the band consisting of the Walsh brothers - Ryan (vocals/guitars) and Shane (drums) - and bassist Jeremy Hayes have been developing their unique brand of ominous, acid-laced rock n’ rollery and the results on this self-produced sophomore effort are tremendous.
From the driving brilliance of opening track Germs to the searing surf rock of Ten Years Tired to the moody dreamscapes throughout Fool’s Gold; the songs move through a loud yet compositionally calming dynamics, balancing cavernous drums and brain-mashing riffs, while painting tales of dark Americana. From the Heart is a bittersweet song of remembrance with a distinct Stones-y flavour, while License to Kill is bursting with dark undertones reminding you of smoky, shady bars and dark alleyways, with an awesome loud chorus juxtaposed over maxed out fuzz-laden distorted guitars. Agree to Disagree, the lead single of this album boasts of surreal arrangements and a dancy rhythmic groove. This number is in contrast to the doomy atmosphere, down-tuned riffing, and twisted tortured screams of the closing track, Hopeless Dreams. There are several instrumental segues in between the songs which keep things interesting and ties together, giving the album a continual flow.
This is rather tasty music. It is quirky in its visualisation, arrangements, and creative direction. I particularly liked the way the drums and bass carry the songs throughout the album, giving a consistent driving rhythm to the band’s sound and providing an insistent hypnotic backbeat for the guitars to slash and burn. Would also love to see how the band narrates their stories through videos, given the strong movie-like feel in their music. Several standout tracks here are – Germs, Ten Years Tired, Fool’s Gold, License to Kill and Agree to Disagree.
The writer is an opinionated geezer with love for music, beer, pot, art, tattoos and explorations. He believes life wouldn't be the same without Led Zeppelin or the warmth of sunshine, people, and tube amps.
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