Date: Monday, 23. April 2012 Author: Del Villarreal
Review:
One of the catchiest, hook-filled and most irresistible rockabilly/50s RnR LPs in recent memory comes from all places, Kharkiv, Ukraine, (Northeast Russia!) home to the young and talented Wise Guyz. Performing and recording as a group since 99, the band has evolved through a variety of changes in both personnel and musical styles, until 07 found them focusing on mostly authentic, traditional rockabilly. Already quite renowned throughout Ukraine and Russia, it wasnt until May of 2010 that the band finally exploded onto the European rockin scene with German club dates with friends, The Tazmanian Devils. Spains El Toro Records snapped the boys up and the result is that in early 2011 we have this exceptional 17 original song recording, Dont Touch My Greasy Hair!
The WiseGuyz 3rd album features the crisp, danceable rhythms & bracing beats of Rebel & Shnur on slap bass & drums, pulsating and propulsive honking sax blasts courtesy of Aleksnder (\"Bob\"), tasty/tasteful acoustic strumming from Ozzy and the daring, inventive and sub-orbital guitar licks of bandleader/lead vocalist Chris Bird. CD highlights: The monster jive-hit Dont Touch My Greasy Hair! rocks right out of the box with its catchy melody and unforgettable chorus. Im A Fool features Chris hyper-hillbilly picking and some more hypnotic refrain work. Im digging the 500 mph chase & back seat race of Really Rocket and the Latin flavored doo-wop of Ive Kissed You, Baby. Hey Hey Little Chick borrows a lick from Johnny Burnettes Lonesome Train and takes it on a wild rockin rural romp! The Guyz do manage to slow the pace for a bit of sky gazing & hand holding on the jazzy Kissin Is On My Mind.
Blending the best aspects of boogie-woogie, jump blues, early 50s rock n roll and neo-rockabilly, the WiseGuyz have perfected an exuberant and joyful hep-cat style of rockin music that is crazy-wild and appealing to both the ears and feet. More like an album and a half, Dont Touch&! will bring the Guyz fans, fame and increasing success. Recommended!
