Smokey Bastard- 'Tales From The Wasteland'
If you're new to Smokey Bastard, there's a few things you need to know. They do folk punk. They like fiddling (with fiddles). They sound super Irish... to the point that they actually do sing about shamrocks and things; but they're actually based in Reading. So, if you don't like any of these things, you may as well navigate away from this page. But if you are a fan of any of the above, it's in your best interests to read on. Especially as Smokey Bastard have been described as 'hotter than milk'. This is apparently a band that could scald you rather badly.
"Tales From The Wasteland" is a riotous affair that will find even the most hardened anti-folk punk individual feel just a little taken. Admittedly, the slow late-night boozer of an opening in 'Wasteland' may have induced a bracing for the worst, but if you persevere and experience anything short of a merry mood; then you must be an entirely heartless wretch. It's a record that's bursting with good humour, high spirits and some really rather impressive musicianship. You've also got to admire a band that can deliver the characteristic energy of an entire genre through the simple power of voice, as witnessed in 'My Son John'.
The feel of the album is defined from the outset through the choice of genre- as you might expect, there's plenty of gravelly vocals, fast tempo guitar riffs and rustic instrumentals. Despite this, there are some real belters that still stand out. 'Yuppie Dracula' is very deserving of it's release as a single. Driven by a mandolin tune and a growled chorus, the 'oompah' rhythm is an obscene amount of fun for your ears. More than any other track though, 'Aspirations. I Have Some' is a firecracker. For those of us with punk rock flowing through their veins, this is the clear winner of the record- thundering guitar, cheeky bass lines and infectious choruses fuel this mad party of song.
Hotter than milk. They were right.