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Written by Luke Oram
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Monday, 10 August 2009 10:42 |
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North Shore glory boys THE CHECKS, have been waving the flag of the new-rock revival proudly for 6 years now. The industry fire-storm that surrounded them in the early days has long been etched into our nation’s trophy-case.
As one of the original bFM babies, The Checks fearless and cocksure version of blues-infused swagger gained them huge favours long before being signed or even recording their stunning debut 'Hunting Whales' – including a personal recommendation from R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe.
An impressive international takeover, including stints with the likes of Oasis, The Hives, Jet and Muse, only served to solidify the band’s red-hot reputation as New Zealand rock’s rising saviours. |
Interestingly enough though, the lead-up to the all-important sophomore album saw rubber-hipped frontman Ed Knowles and his cohorts label-less and hunkered down, in the humble surroundings of Mt. Eden’s Lab studios... sans-producer. As risky as self-producing a fully independent release may sound, the freedom wears well on the Takapuna five. ‘Alice By The Moon’ is a psychedelic gem, that builds on the rockers’ mature hit-making ability and showcases the influence of heavy touring with some of their heroes.
Unhindered by the weight of a label over their shoulder, the boys roam free, getting their filthy hands all over the studio desk and experimenting with sounds from the bombastic to the ethereal. Sexy opener ‘Bagheera’ struts with guitarists Sven Patterson and Callum Martin’s lithe riffs, punctuated with horns and effected handclaps. First single ‘You And Me’ is a warm retro-esque strum ballad, that sees Knowles channel a sweet version of his bar-room growl. The carnival stomp of ‘Crows’ is all pounding rhythms and 60’s pop, giving way to Knowles’ visceral chorus howls and tight, riffing hooks. Years of charming the ladies across the globe with their skinny-tights and winkle-pickers, have lent the boys a sexy jaunt that would make Mick Jagger proud like a surrogate father. Standout track ‘Ballroom Baby’ is a tight, crackling grinder that sees Knowles crooning in a blinding falsetto. Same goes for ‘Back Of The Restaurant’, in which Knowles snarls sinister; “All the Girls feel rock ‘n’ roll-y, high heels and remote control-y”, while the band sit in a groovy pocket punctuated by smokey jazz horns and a white James-Brown brass breakdown. ‘Any Man Here Will Break You Down’ is a dark, brooding jam full of weirded-out guitars and a swirling chorus of BV’s, with a duelling riff-solo from Petterson and Martin.
‘Alice By The Moon’ is more than accomplished, it’s a kick in the teeth to any kind of play-it-safe sensibilities for The Checks. It’s the sound of a band so together, they can afford to play mad scientists in the studio. The result tears the roof off – an album of progressive sweat, sex and blues infused rock that swings from sweet and sultry, to fierce and razor-sharp. Whatever risks The Checks took in putting 'ABTM' together, they all paid off in spades. |
