Two years after the classic ‘Ride The Wild Night’, John Reis is back with nine, spanking new tunes. The man we used to call Speedo in the mighty RFTC changes his moniker with every release, but the quality of the songs never drops. His pedigree is beyond question, and lead single ‘Ketchup, Mustard And Relish’ is an instant ear worm which would be right at home next to ‘When In Rome’.

Album opener ‘How Are You Peeling?’ owes more to early RFTC, with its off-kilter rhythm, and it has that magic that draws you in. ‘Harbor Freight’ is a straight ahead rocker that you will want to play on repeat, while ‘Teen Hate’ is like the very best Ramones songs, with a bittersweet edge and a Fab Four ending. ‘Privacy’ rattles along before ‘Lost In Bermondsey’ claims its place as one of John’s best tunes.

‘Shock And Awe’ is a groover that Jim Jones would surely approve of, that begs to be played live. Righteous stuff, indeed. ‘Don’t Wait’ is a lesson in how to craft a canny pop song, complete with “woah, woah” refrain, and ‘Beware The Halo’ brings the album to an end in style, if all too soon.

Short and sweet, with no filler. The only downside being that, with no CD available, it’s an expensive purchase from the USA, what with postage fees being increasingly hefty now. That said, this is a fitting follow up to ‘Ride The Wild Night’ that you can listen to online now before deciding whether to increase your vinyl collection.

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Author: Martin Chamarette

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