Now, here’s a trio from Germany who use the tagline “the bluesy groovy rock machine” and employ the Slade approach to spelling. Mother’z Boyzz therefore already have something to live up to and, with the release of their second album, Pink Cadillac, we have chance to hear their take on the blues-rock power trio format. It is one to welcome, appreciate and enjoy.
Starting with the title track, (no, not that ‘Pink Cadillac’, mercifully) we get a ZZ Top does Slade mashup, complete with slide guitar and an irresistible quality that will have you hitting repeat before you even get to track two! When you do get there, the wonderfully titled ‘Ice Cubes Pissin’ continues the bluesy rock with a Sweet-like riff and organ laying down a great base for the brilliant, non PC lyrics and a superb wah guitar. It also includes Hammond solos that adds humour into their simple intricacy. ‘Non Talkin’ Women’ is Bon Scott era AC/DC reborn in a very good way. ‘Dustsucker Blues’ is a lesson in inventive use of household machinery backed with a Mott the Hoople like, poppy approach complete with delectable female backing singers (The Fabulous Be Gee Bees).
‘Out Of Sight’ has a sneaky Blackmore reference in the main riff, but it still all Boyzz. ‘Big Bad Mama’ out tops the Top with the familiar riff and catchy chorus. The longest track, ‘Lil’ Wolf’ is my current favourite with its slow, true blues feel and a couple of simply superb guitar solos that show how a few well placed notes can speak so much more eloquently than widdling ever will…think Gary Moore. The closing song, ‘Shake Snake Boogie’, is just that…a boogie with a more than a suggestion of Snake!
In summary, this band is all about blues-rock. On first listen, it seems a little derivative, but if you give it a few listens then you will really appreciate that these guys understand the blues and inject that figurative Pink Cadillac with humour, style and their own individuality. I loved listening to the hedonistic and tongue-in-cheek lyrics that Bon Scott would have been proud of and to have it backed by quality playing, regardless of influence. Give it a listen to every value packed minute of the thirty four on offer, and you will agree.
Pink Cadillac was released on 13th June via Vringsbrock-Records.
