Stockholm band, Electric Boys, formed back in 1988 and debuted with Funk-O-Metal Carpet Ride 1989. Two further albums were released before they went on hiatus for a couple of years. Reforming on 2009, they recorded two more whilst touring with the likes of Metallica, Alice Cooper and Thunder. Taking us up to date, the line up of Conny Bloom (guitar and vocals), Andy Christell (bass), Franco Santunione (guitar), Niclas Sigevall (drums) and Jolle Atlagic (drums) went down the Pledge Music route and their significant fan base soon provided them with the money and motivation to produce their sixth album, The Ghost Ward Diaries. Those fans will be delighted with the results as the band have delivered a set of quality rock songs with hints of such diverse bands as Bad Company, Aerosmith, Europe and even a little AC/DC.
Opener, ‘Hangover In Hannover’ has the Angus chords and a good old tale of drinking to excess. This song hits all the right notes with strong performances from everyone…even with lines like “red is the blood coming out of my nose” can’t spoil the good time heavy feel. ‘There She Goes Again’ is pure melodic rock and executed really well…great riff, soaring chorus and guitar solo: no box un-ticked. ’Love Is A Funny Feeling’ hits the funk button and rocks brilliantly as well. Best title of the year (so far) goes to a hugely enjoyable instrumental: ‘Swampmotofrog’ is a varied paced, beautifully constructed piece of riffs and guitar playing with slide, wah and standard playing and reminds me of some of Jeff Beck’s obscurely titled works…love it! ‘Rich Man, Poor Man’ is the Aerosmith sound in many ways and yet Bloom makes sure it stays all Electric Boys and the use of the acoustic and then electric slide give this a glorious bluish tinge. Closing with ‘One Of The Fallen Angels’ , the longest and best song, gives us a great riff, catchy melodic verses and sing-a long choruses. Add in a guitar solo of inventiveness and it delivers a near epic that Europe or Whitesnake would be proud of.
This is a powerful and engaging album which warrants a few listens to fully appreciate the depth and quality on offer…one listen could mislead one to think it was just another melodic/AOR entry into a crowded field…it is actually one of the best entries into that area this year.
