Chillihounds: Shake Your Skull (2011)

Swedish band CHILLIHOUNDS first appeared back in 2006 or thereabouts, and have three albums to their name at the time of speaking. Their two initial albums were released by Italian label Nicotine Records, but then they signed with Swedish label Transubstans Records for their third and most recent production "Shake Your Skull", issued in the fall of 2011.

Transubstans Records is a label well known for a roster of bands exploring the sound of the 1970's, with progressive rock and stoner rock as some of their specialities. But in the case of Chillihounds, the label deviates a bit from that particular norm, as this is a band with a rather different touch.

In short we're dealing with a band that may as well be described as good time party 'n roll. With a 70's feel to their material, but probably based around the mid to late part of the decade in terms of style. The compositions are brief, by and large simplistic in nature and with a broad appeal. Steady drums is the backbeat throughout, while darker toned, circulating and insistent bass motifs forms the main drive. Lighter toned guitar riff patterns wander joyfully in fluctuating patterns on top, while the versatile and powerful vocals of Gabriel Aadlan caters for the lyrical aspect.

In style we're talking blues based hard rock, with more than a touch of boogie in expression. AC/DC is a common association throughout, but in a manner that see the aggressive tendencies of this fine band from down under replaced with the laid back sound and arrangements of a band like Status Quo. Dirty Deeds All Over the World if you like. But rather than staying put within that one-dimensional sound, Chillihounds also add a touch of additional blues to the proceedings, in a Southern manner as on the lightly Allman Brothers tinged Evil Mind Blues or in a Texan-oriented manner like the subtly ZZ Top flavoured Control. The carefully blues enhanced details actually adds something of a US touch to the album throughout, even when the band does explore songs that AC/DC in particular could have added to their set list without anyone raising an eyebrow.

Be that as it may be, Chillihounds is a band that know what they want to do, and they do it very well. Not in an original manner and certainly not adventurous, but if you're looking for the perfect soundtrack to an evening filled with fun, fun, fun - and probably lots of beer to boot - Chillihounds is a very good choice. Blues based, boogie drenched hard rock of the kind that makes the world a better, or at least happier, place to be in.

My rating: 82/100


Track list:
1. No Vacation 2:43
2. Taking Off 3:52
3. Back in the Game 3:00
4. Evil Mind Blues 4:24
5. Cain 4:28
6. Mark of Cain 1:30
7. Heartbeater 4:29
8. Love Pays No Rent 3:36
9. 1979 4:03
10. Control 4:56