Debut full-length album from Italian punk rockers Smalltown Tigers who’ve been working hard as hell and putting in the miles on the road since 2020’s debut mini-album ‘Five Things’. I first caught them live supporting the original Damned when they played Hammersmith Odeon a couple of years ago and since then they’ve been honing their skills for this album and that hard work has indeed paid off because they have in their hands a mightily handsome record.

Firstly its noticeable how catchy these songs are, they’ve honed in on the fine art of shaving the best bits of The Ramones and clearly they were paying attention to the tone Brian James employs on those early Damned songs which in turn naturally puts the dial firmly in the Stooges territory which all wrapped up by these three talented ladies makes for some pretty damn good songs. Sure Runaways comparisons will drift across many reviewers’ notes when playing this record but there’s much more to it than that. The girls have clearly got that Garage Rock edge in their delivery and songwriting and that’s what elevates them to the next level. Not content with just playing on the fact it’s three ladies but going toe to toe with anyone in this genre and staying the course.

From the punchy opener ‘Meet Me In The City’ they nail the tone and feel of the record. The overdriven guitars are pitch and tone perfect as is the rhythm section to be fair but the breakdown and songwriting is on the money and with enough sass and catchyness to draw you right in. The first few tracks on any album are vitally important to keep the ears on you, especially for a new(ish) band the title track is sleazy rock n roll, and it’s struttin’ right out of those speakers.

‘In A Dream’ has that Ramones rolling riff and dreamy melody over the rough frayed riff. ‘Teddy Bear’ is pure early Brian James Riff-a-rama and that’ll do for me. Halfway through the album and that Ramones spirit is loud and proud on ‘I Want You’.

‘Maybe’ reminded me of ‘Pillbox’ by the Joneses on the opening salvo but with added knuckleduster delivery. The songs keep coming and the quality is maintained throughout which is no mean feat and the pounding relentless ‘Monster’ is a thrashing beast.

As we head into the home straight we get the fuzzed-up garage loveliness of ‘Dressed Right And Skinny’ before the gonzo punk rock of ‘Joey’ knocks you about with its punk as fuck relentlessness. The end is in sight and if you’re waiting for a slow number to take this one home then you’re going to be disappointed. ‘Killed Myself When I Was Young’ is a hypnotic savage from that riff through the hammering keys being hit with a sledgehammer before the saxophone hypnotizes us all. This is the sound of a band at the top of their game knowing they have just delivered a mightily impressive record and to be fair I think I’ve developed a ‘Crush On You’ three, you spoil me with these tunes. An excellent way to kick off 2024.

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