Back in 2021 I reviewed an album by Norway’s Death By Unga Bunga. It was fabulous. And ok I’m repeating myself here because four years ago I went on about The Hellacopters and The Strokes too, but it’s not my fault that they keep on being ace.
True to its name, “Raw Muscular Power is an electrifying blast of garage punk energy, but there’s more happening beneath the fuzz-drenched surface. Right from the title track, the album channels a raucous spirit reminiscent of early Hellacopters, setting the tone for a wild, high-octane ride.
“I’m Really Old” takes an unexpected turn, flirting with the kind of angular indie rock that made The Strokes’ early work so irresistible. Meanwhile, “Starchild” features a guest spot from Slotface, paying homage to classic Kiss records with swaggering riffs and larger-than-life hooks.
Mike Krol lends his unmistakable presence to “Therapy,” a track that unleashes some of the most untamed garage punk in recent memory. Then there’s “Dogs of Hell,” a thunderous, off-the-leash assault that keeps the momentum at full throttle.
For those who aren’t exactly culinary masters (or are simply tired of too many cooking shows), “The Recipe” serves up a rock ‘n’ roll feast worth indulging in. The solo alone is worth the price of admission.
And while it hasn’t been explicitly mentioned until now, there’s one undeniable influence permeating the album—The Ramones. Nowhere is this clearer than on “Camouflage,” which practically begs for a CBGB’s shout-along.
The energy never lets up. On “Trembling,” the band sings, “We had a good run but it was no fun,” yet the track bursts with sheer exhilaration. The same can be said for “I’m Going On Vacation,” a song that sounds like it was designed for a riotous live show.
They wrap things up with a track in their native tongue, bringing this relentless, joyously chaotic album to a fitting close. Raw Muscular Power isn’t just an album—it’s an adrenaline rush, a celebration of rock ‘n’ roll at its most unfiltered and unapologetic.
Rating 9/10
