By DJ Monk
The title of this, only the second album in 18 years from German speed rockers Sidebürns, is obviously something of a misnomer. Indeed, you could say that it is a phrase that is strictly verboten in the rock ‘n’ roll Überverse, as you can never have that volume level turned up to “too loud” – and, if you do, then you obviously just need to fuck off and listen to the likes of Pathetic Monkeys or Snore Patrol for the rest of your mundane existence…
As intimated above, Sidebürns trace their roots back to 2002, and have been pursuing their mission to “drink beer and make noise” ever since. As also mentioned, this is also only their second album, the title of which is allegedly inspired by them being thrown off stage by a motorcycle club for being, well, too loud: but, then, I always knew them Teuton MCs were feckin’ wimps compared to their Norn Oirish brethren \m/
The album is an amalgam of styles, from straight ahead Motörhead style riffology to elements of garage punk, combined with swathes of surfari surges to heads-down see-you-at-the-end classic NWOBHM-infused thrashiness. But, the trio do it with a fuck-you attitude that works on every level, from the punky acidity of Ralf Sidebürn’s vocals through his staccato guitar riffs to Katja BAroneSS’ pumping rhythms. The result is a truly dirty rock ‘n’ roll album that grinds like a buzzsaw and grunts like a pig being led to the slaughter, slathering itself in as much muck and mud as it can find along the route. And you need to jump ride into that particular rock ‘n’ roll mudbath, ‘cos it most definitely will cleanse your soul…
‘Too Loud!’ is released tomorrow (Sunday 5 April).
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