I have seen the Boo Tikis a few times recently and they have impressed me so I was keen to give this latest release a listen.
The Boo Tikis originally formed in 2019 playing surf instrumental music and the band released their debut album ‘Electric Desert’. Fast forward to now with a new line-up featuring original members DC and Lyse (ex-DC Spectres) and not one but two bass players, Robber Byker (Gaye Bykers On Acid) and Joe De Lorenzo. The line-up is Guitar/Vocal – DC, Bass – Robber Byker/Joe De Lorenzo, Drums – Lyse.
This latest album kicks off with ‘Purple Skies’ which showcases the surf rock and roll we have come to expect from the Boo Tikis. This track is full of bass slides and rock and roll guitar and is a wonderful opening to the album. Follower, ‘Oedipus Hex’ reminds me of a couple of bands I am really into Black Lips and Fidlar, but Boo Tikis are no copyists and this track has all the hallmarks of the Boo Tikis own sound with stripped down drumming supporting the fuzz guitar and melodic bass.
‘I Want You’ continues the charge with a rocking opening drum beat leading into a full-on rocker with great backing vocals, tight drumming and a solo that wouldn’t be out of place on a surf album. In contrast ‘Peyote’ begins with a haunting trumpet that works itself into an atmospheric instrumental western movie theme that is infectious and shows they can vary their music almost at will. ‘Diablo 66’ is another more upbeat almost instrumental with the only words being the final vocal drones which add to its menacing feel.
‘Isola Della Morte’ kicks the album back into the Boo Tikis surf rock and rock vibe and has some clever lyrics. The guitar work at the end takes it to another level and this track is both hypnotic and infectious. ‘Leave Me Alone’ is a tuneful blast with ultra catchy lyrics and to me is a cross between 60s garage rock, the Ramones and the Cramps, while ‘Putting the Move On’ is equally catchy it has a much dirtier feel.
‘Place in the Queue’ has always been a live favourite for me and dare I say it a cool pop tune. With the guitar riffs and soloing and complex bass this is probably the catchiest track on the album and a bit Jesus and Mary Chain. The happy song that is ‘Here Comes Death’ shows how well they work as a unit with the melodic bass lines, changing guitar lines and manic floor tom beats. ‘A Girl Like You’ is in a similar vein and another really catchy piece of music with an explosive vocally delivery.
Final track ‘I Wanna Change Your Mind’ is probably the most commercially sounding track with snappy snare and another really catchy chorus. The music is intense and draws you in, with bass lines reminiscent of Motörhead and Hawkwind.
This is a cool album with an interesting vibe and a great mix of catchy well played dirty rock and roll with driving drumming that works well behind the wall of noise. I must see them live again soon.
