The Hangovers – “Pardon Our Appearance”
Hangovers might seem like a curse. Lord knows how many of them I have suffered in my life? I’m guessing it might even exceed the President’s lies!
But in a way they are also, a blessing. Because if they didn’t exist, I most surely wouldn’t be alive now and then the whole fate of humanity would have been set on a completely different course.
Naw, maybe that’s a bit of a stretch. Let’s just say that there would be no, shudder the thought, Thrash N Bang.
But there would still be The Hangovers. A band fronted by Bob McGunk, of the punk’n’roll band The McGunks, one of the finest bands in all the land. At least, I think so.
Now, if you think that Lemmy, requesting to be thought as a rock’n’roll band was a bunch of jive- you best get off at the next stop.
And if you don’t think that punk is the true extension of the spirit of rock’n’roll, not rock music, you best be hoppin’ off now.
‘Cause The Hangovers are a country/thrash band much like as if the Johnny Cash Band had collaborated with Motorhead to make an album at some point. Or as The Hangovers themselves put it so succintly- “Sounds like Lemmy and Reverend Horton Heat had a baby and raised him on The Ramones.”
I’ll drink to that, but then, I’ll drink to anything- let’s listen:
After a soundbite from a great sitcom from the seventies, “Three’s Company,” with the melody of that song always landing on a dissonant note at the end of each line- “Why Me,” explodes with an “Ace Of Spades” like, thrash rhythm, country guitar twangin’ at a hundred miles per hour and vocals that sound like someone gargling on razor blades. “I’ve been waiting all night long. Never knowing right from wrong. Why me? Why me? Never gonna doubt it, can’t live without it.” This song has a great, catchy chorus and music that is energetic, powerful and fun.
“Do You Like It?” starts my favorite song on this release with a groovin’, bluesy riff that is pounding and hard and leads into a terrific, glam chorus- “Do you like it, like I do? Do you like it? I like it, too.” There’s a bit of the hair metal, Motley Crue/Guns’N Roses influence along with some sixties garage, along with the other elements, they usually draw upon in this song. And do I like it? Let me think about it- a nice breakdown follows plus a short, but effective guitar solo. The later, much like the girls usually desribe me, too. And as the drum beats this song into a pulp as the finish approaches and the vocals ask repeatedly, “Do I like it?” Well, yes- I most certainly fucking do!
“I’m Not Broken” lunges out with raspy vocals and clanging guitar chords. And once the drums kick it in, a punk/blues/country lick aggressively arrives. The spoken word part makes me recall the great tune, “Pepper,” by the Butthole Surfers. “I’ve been waiting, feet underground. No more hesitating, move without a sound.” Another great melody with furiously, passionate words and music with the main line proclaiming, “I’m not broken, falling apart.”
Starting out with a hyperactive country beat and a trebly bass guitar, “Cryin’ & Screamin'” goes through many twists ans turns and changes. Soon an awesome guitar lick comes floating in, sounding kind of like as if the Buzzcocks had ever written a country tune. “Thinkin’ over and over, and over again. Crying and screamin’, don’t call my name…No one’s to blame.” This song takes country, punk and metal and even quotes Tom Petty’s “American Girl” and melds it all into one emotional, gutsy, passionate perfect song.
The Hangovers have played the last two TNB Xmas parties, and if I have anything to do with it, with the help of Satan, (I’m his rightful successor), they’ll play the next one as well.
With the combination of country/rockabilly licks and thrash rhythms along with Bob McGunks melodic excellent punk melodies- what you come up with is not only really great, but unique. Meaning- I don’t run into this style to often. Or really never at all! And the results are really, great stuff.
Bob McGunk recently said to me, “Well, this is just a vehicle for me to play some guitar licks in.”
Which I can see, but what I really hear is his matured songwriting played out in maybe, slighter different genres, but still striking gold- with songs that are pure and gutsy, emotional and real, melodic without being flimsy, pure punk’n’roll supreme.
And I don’t know, I’ve had a bit to drink tonight. But then that would describe yesterday’s night and probably tomorrow’s night, as well.
I do know I’ll do my best to avoid those hangovers, but, I must admit, it’s often a losing battle.
But you’ll do yourself a favor, to seek The Hangovers out. To drink in and savor the sounds of this album and this band. I don’t think you can experience the wild fun of this album, so much that it becomes detrimental to your health.
And if there was a real bar serving music instead of beer and they were serving The Hangovers- Hell, I’d stay until I was shut off.
(Slimedog)
