Search - Turbonegro :: Scandinavian Leather

The denim demons are back!

Destroy Boy | www.ohboydestroy.com | 06/15/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Although not totally expected, it's not a surprise this album came into existence. Turbonegro broke up right before the last album, "Apocalypse Dudes", was released stateside. That album was such a huge step up from "Ass Cobra" and such a tour de force, with it's over the top glam punk and tongue-in-cheek gay overtones, that US punk stardom soon followed. Of course not being there to receive it after years and years of playing together must have hurt. Quick reform and into the studio again and problem solved!



As expected, "Scandinavian Leather" doesn't touch the brilliance of "Apocalypse Dudes" but it's not that far behind. After the typical voiced over intro, this time an 80's Miami Vice theme, it kicks into a few of the more rocking cuts on the album. These definitely have the energy and hard rock swagger of earlier work. Where it falls a little flat is on some of the filler tracks like "Remain Untamed" and "I Want Everything". On the surface there's nothing really wrong with these songs but they don't bring quite the same level of outrageousness and rock n' roll bravado to the table as other cuts. Of course if this was any other band those would be their best songs!



Like their last record, there's a couple more note for note rip offs of Iggy & The Stooges riffs. One on the start of the "Sell Your Body (To The Night)" and the other at the start of "I Want Everything". I always like spotting these as I'm sure other fans do as well so they don't disappoint there.



One surprising cut was the poppy "Drenched In Blood (D.I.B.)" with a big sing-along chorus and a straightforward down stroke punk sound. I have to say it's one of my favorites even if it's not a typical Turbonegro song. They close out with a song sung entirely in French which is sort of fun and the "join the cause" themed "Ride With Us" complete with classic Turbonegro lyrics like "We're on a mission to destroy". What an interesting ride that would be!



So while this album doesn't quite hit their high water mark, it's still a great record. One that any Princes Of The Rodeo will surely give many listens. You just have to wonder whether this is the last stop on the rock n' roll train for Turbonegro. Hopefully not.



Check out more reviews at ohboydestroy."

THe best scandinavian leather

Brendan | 07/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"best cd ive ever bought. great songs and well lets face it turbonegro rocks. BUY IT AND U WIL LOVE IT!!! SO BUY THE FRICKEN CD ALREADY!!!!!!!"