In a time when all the reports and news coming out of the beautiful country of Italy (I’ve spent two of my best ever holidays there) is negative and tinged with sadness, I’m delighted to have something positive to report. That news is, Valli (Bass, Vocals), Monty (Guitar, Vocals) & Castel (Drums, Vocals), collectively known as Smalltown Tigers have released a mini album, Five Things. A release, in more ways than one, that is brimming with bold defiance.
Take the legacy that Currie, Jett, Ford, Fox & West started back in the mid seventies (there is perhaps a nod to them here on a track called Runaway Girl), add a bit Joey Ramone’s swagger, and a slice of sneering Lydon attitude and you’re part of the way there. If you then chuck in the edgy rawness and ire of the likes of Babes in Toyland/Bikini Kill and the rasping brusque vocals from frontwomen unafraid to speak their minds like Courtney Love and Brody Dalle, you’re about there.
Raw, Guttural, Furious Glam Punk’n’Roll
Eight tracks (not Five) of raw, guttural, furious glam punk’n’roll with lashing of brashness and attitude. I defy you not to be pogoing along, these songs are a joy to behold. Fuck the whole world – I don’t bloody care anymore…I need these tunes in my lockdown playlist. Time to let my, increasingly long, hair down…
From the infectious opening bars of the stonking Just Friends I’m putty in their hands. From then on in, I’m hooked. A bit of Pistols riffing in Girl, a hint of Devilgate Drive at the start of Find Myself Another Name. Cramps like tendencies in Darling Please! Spitting venom in The Bitch. Full on Ramones punk rock attack on Five Things. All that’s missing is the 1,2,3,4 intro…What is not to love?
Dear Italy, as impressive as they are, you can keep yer Pavarotti’s & Bocelli’s, send us over more of this sort of stuff (and Giuda). Cheers, the GQ.
Don’t sit back and wait for the lockdown to be over. Get this ordered now (the posties are among my favourite people just now) and make the most of your extra time getting to know Smalltown Tigers.
Bandcamp link: Smalltown Tigers