Written by: Brian CampbellViolent Soho – Violent Soho (Ecstatic Peace!)
Violent Soho has a lot to thank Nirvana for when it comes to their latest eponymous release, and actually their entire overall fuzz distorted, guitar driven sound, but the Brisbane, Australia based outfit also own a debt of gratitude to fellow countrymen the Vines for paving their way.
Violent Soho is a tightly packed 31 minutes of raw garage rock that pays homage to those bands that started the movement (MC5, the Stooges), as well as those bands who stood at the forefront of the recent revival (Jet, the Libertines). The bands textbook blend of early rock and roll and angst-y punk makes for a smooth and exciting, albeit short, listen, and the fact that they didn’t go overboard with the production helps too. You’re going to want to listen to the entire disc straight through because Violent Soho really is a complete work, but there are those highlight tracks that just crave attention, like “Jesus Stole My Girlfriend,” “Bombs Over Broadway,” and “Narrow Ways.” Their unabashed, but not too cocky, swagger is a fresh breath of air nowadays.
Grade: 8/10
Go Download: ‘Bombs Over Broadway’
