When I read the band name I have zero clue what it all means but I do know it makes me happy on a purely childlike level and as soon as the needle drops on ‘Mr Barnaby’ and the band kicks in with a walloping good time, amps up loud a thumping bassline holding the rhythm steady and drums a crash bang walloping I can’t shake off the smile or has it turned into a shit eating grin? Banging good time with a crisp production that’s unfussy and on point. shitbaby Mammals don’t sound like a band who take themselves too seriously but just love making music and that’s what appeals to me with their excellent pop songs played with heart and soul through amps turned up loud n clear with just enough grit and dirt under those fuzzy pick ups and above of garage rock n pop, wonderful stuff.

‘Nostalgic Bliss’ is more of the same. A little more quirky, perhaps, with some interesting sounds and melodies that ricochet around the grey matter for ages. There’s enough pop and groove going on with these eight songs to satisfy any self-respecting rocker with a penchant for groove, grit, and inspired rock n roll.

The lyrics often mean nothing to me except for the melody they’re wrapped in, which is always on point and exactly what the song needs. Take ‘Carnegie Hall’, its pop music with loud guitars and a soppy melody, and oh yeah, some synths to add some more texture, and the chorus is hilarious. It’s power pop sunshine time on ‘The Joy Of Painting’ halfway between a Brian Wilson Beach Boys hoot and a Cheap Trick rocker.

‘Passport To Drive’ is a riot and the best house party you’ve crashed in your life with that rolling thunder of a bassline like Los Pepes covering the Knack with a fucked fuzzbox that’s being played to death. A wonderful song that makes me feel happy to hear every time I put it on. The band play out with one last dance, ‘Jeopardy’, that manages to get its funk on before bowing out. Another top album from those Shitbabys and a Scandinavian ray of garage rockin’, power popin’ rock n roll that manages to hit a real happy spot on any given rainy day. Keep on rockin guys you’re killing it and that cover makes me grin as well, fuck knows why but he looks so happy. Buy it!

Buy Here / Amazon

Author: Dom Daley