Alex Carole & The Crush - Vol. I (2011)

Swedish band Alex Carole and the Crush apparently started out as recently as 2009, and issued a demo tape the same year. Since then they have honed their craft, and in 2011 they were picked up by Swedish label Transubstans Records, who released their debut album "Vol. 1" on the Troglodyte imprint.

As those in the know are aware of, Transubstans Records is a name that more or less guarantees that whatever material they've had their hands on will have a 70's oriented sound. Normally one within or closely related to the art rock universe, but there are a few exceptions to this general rule in that label's artist roster. Alex Carole & the Crush amongst them. This band have their hearts and souls placed back in yesteryear too I might add, but in a different part of it altogether. Glam rock, hard rock and late 60's garage rock appears to be the dominating aspects of this band's production, with Slade and Alice Cooper the artists that first comes to mind. Pace-filled, energetic but first and foremost positive music.

The songs are all of the shorter variety, most of them clocking in at less than 4 minutes. And they are vocal heavy constructions, mostly adhering to a classic verse-and-chorus structure. The lead vocals are just as much shouted as sung, and more often than not with power and passion taking the lead over melody and sophisticated intonation. Bouncy rhythms, gleeful handclaps and staccato, joy-filled and occasionally playful guitar riff constructions underscore quite nicely, with a steady bass providing a foot-tap inducing foundation. This is joyful music dominated by what I'd describe as a Let's Party mood. Outgoing, easy on the mind and the ears, and at best a lot of fun.

This type of music is one much harder to master than one might suspect, and while Alex Carole and his merry gang of rockers have a fair share of enjoyable efforts on this debut there's a few that leaves slightly more of a lacklustre impression too. At least for those who listen closely and with full concentration to their music. By and large a promising debut more than a strong one, somewhat depending on personal taste obviously.

If you like hard rock and roll of the positive variety, you tend to enjoy the classic Slade albums and early 70's Alice Cooper or if you just want a slice of part rock for a late summer party, Alex Carole and the Crush should most likely cater quite nicely to your needs. A well made soundtrack to be enjoyed while beer guzzling and having a good time.

My rating: 60/100


Track list:
1. High School Shuffle - 3:18
2. Hard to Get - 3:33
3. And Know About Me - 3:19
4. Will I Get It? - 3:32
5. Hell on Earth - 5:25
6. Firefly - 4:55
7. Oh Please! - 3:51
8. Dizzy Eyes - 4:08
9. Heartache Too - 4:11
10. Outro - 0:51