Sunday 11 February 2018

Action Andy & The Hi-Tones - Songs 4 Swingin' Sinners


(This review first appeared in issue #69 of Shindig! magazine.)

Relampago-go 7”

The long-serving Action Andy's latest band of sleazy rockers are based in San Diego, California and make garage rock that's infused with American roots music. Blues, garage, rockabilly, Tex-Mex and R&B all inform their latest four song EP. It's a lovely looking dinked 7” on marbled blue vinyl for those who like that kind of thing, and limited to 300 copies in a cartoon sleeve festooned with spiders, skulls and hot-rods.

Fortunately the music is an equally pleasing experience - 'Bleeding Heart' is a pounding '50s style rocker featuring distorted vocals, hand-claps and a lead biting lead guitar sound that could take your head off. 'Black Widow' is a sinister warning set to a hip-shaking R&B groove whereas 'Let's Buzz' is more of a surf/frat party track complete with a Dick Dale-esque solo from guitarist Xavier Anaya. Fans of The Jim Jones Revue, The Cramps and Jerry Lee Lewis can buy with confidence.

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