FIGHTS : "Scampirock"

 

Every scene in every region has their own bandwagons they jump on based on the success of their peers. In the Scandinavian rock scene Kvelertak has set that bar. This band from Norway is urgently following in their footsteps with raspy throat searing vocals taking command of the songs, like a methed out punk rock version of AC/DC. Yes, they have punk energy and aggression. It is not surprising a more aggressive metallic attack possesses their songs. From the opening track they make the most of their momentum, but once we get five songs in every thing begins to sound the same. The first song is more punk in it's frantic pursuit. They allow things to build into a big anthemic refrain that the end that shows they care about songwriting. 

They are all about drinking and doing coke, with sung vocals backing up these declarations, knowing that the main narrative is the cause of all their problems. "We Got This" finds them allowing the chords to slow down, though it's less hooky in it's punch. "Nine Words " offers a little more variation, though the lyrics to "Moonshine" cut through with more fire. It is not about the kind of moonshine you might assume it to be, given their penchant for writing drinking songs. "Sunshine" seems to be about the foibles of dating .It races with the same reckless tempo that dominates this album. This carries over into "Know it All" along with the over all party vibe, even when they are marginally more deliberate. There are sing song vocals doing a call and response that sound like kids. 

"Serenity Now" finds the vocals screamed out at you in a similar fashion to what we have heard, but the purpose seems more intent on maintaining intensity than being angry. The previous song is one of the few where I feel anger is being conveyed. When the vocals are switched up on "Kill the Mood" I feel the overall sound benefits as the album needs more vocal colors. "Turn it Up" sounds like all the other songs on this album where they charge right at you . I will round this album down to an 8, it's a lot of fun, but is more straight forward party rocking that what I am into, my personal tastes aside the redundancy keeps it from being a perfect album but they are polished in what they dO. if you want a soundtrack to drive drunk to this is the perfect album. Drops on Lie Laga Records.