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Sonic Tallywacker:
Swallow the Leader
Sonic Tallywacker reminds me that I don't listen to enough music that is simply about having a damn good time. The hard-rockin' fare offered up on the Swallow the Leader EP is catchy from the get-go, with great guitar riffs and driving rhythms that instantly take these short songs exactly where they need to go. The music is a mix of bluesy rock n' roll that seriously boogies and foot-stomping hard rock that is delightfully raunchy. As good as the playing is here, it's the fact that Sonic Tallywacker is such a laugh-inducing riot that makes this disc worthwhile. The lyrics are hilarious some of the best goofy lyrics that I've ever heard. But besides being just goofy, they're smart too. The first song for example, called "Composer's Lament," is all about a musician's many worries. The singer alternates from complaining that writing music is too hard, ("I've been trying all day long, but I can't seem to write this song / How hard could something like this be?") to then loudly declaring that his new song is a masterpiece ("written just for you!"). The best part comes when the singer gleefully shouts "we hope you like it!" I don't know whether "Composer's Lament" was written with anyone particular in mind, but it seems like it could be a scathing parody of almost any bad pop-rocker. At least as funny and even more rockin', "Man for All Seasons" has a hysterical monologue at the end that you will hardly believe the first time you hear it. All six songs on Swallow the Leader are solid. I think that the album loses a bit of steam after the first three, but perhaps that is just because the later songs seem laid back in comparison to the aggressive album openers. In any case, I have no real complaints. I should also say that I really like this band's whole attitude towards their music. Much to their credit, the members of Sonic Tallywacker doesn't hold themselves exempt from their own comical satire. With dramatic pictures of each band member, the center of the inside jacket boldly declares "WE ALL PLAY LEAD." That's just in case you didn't know that the bassist was, in fact, the LEAD bassist. While the tongue-in-cheek lyrics are a trademark on Swallow the Leader, it's not as though the music is unimportant by comparison. Clearly, this band is just as ambitious about bringing some of the missing energy and quality back to rock music as they are about being a bunch of wise-cracking mofos. The nice thing is that with Sonic Tallywacker the two go hand in hand.
This album can be purchased at the Sonic Tallywacker Official Website LEFT OFF THE DIAL's Sonic Tallywacker page About LOTD Contact/Staff Advertise Home All content © LEFT OFF THE DIAL 2001-2005. All rights reserved. |
