Sunday 18 July 2010

Album Review: The Hacks - On Record With...

I’ve realised recently that I am very picky when it comes to genres of music that end in ‘billy’; especially when bands that are grouped using the aforementioned suffix incorporate elements of ‘punk’ into their sound. With that in mind I was a bit wary when I read the write-up on The Hacks, but I shouldn’t have worried.

Hailing from the south-west, this relatively new three-piece give a fresh take on the ‘punk & roll’ genre. If you imagine The Peacocks songs played without a double-bass but with an extra dose of 50’s influence, you’d be along the right lines.

A hefty measure of song-writing talent is brazenly apparent while listening to this CD - ‘Up Sticks’ is up there with The Living End’s greatest tunes, while ‘I Won’t Feel Bad’ draws heavily from the classic rockabilly tracks of the 20th century.

There’s no pretence about this seven-track record, it’s just a collection of well-executed pop songs. ‘Stand Down’ starts like a Blondie track, and yet moves into The Hives territory seamlessly, which showcases the range of influences the band can draw from.

For people who are fans of the ‘punk & roll’ genre, The Hacks are a must. It’s fun and easy to listen to, and their short sharp injections of energy could even keep the attention of people with just a fleeting interest, for half an hour at least.

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