DK-REVIEWS

Flame On - Overkill CD (Flame On)
This is the debut album from Danish quintet, Flame On. The album was recorded in their own studio, and took them about 2 years to finish - with all the producing, mixing, layout etc. done by the band - and I say well done. The album sounds very professional, and nicely produced, and the cover is not as un-original as it could have been. All in all, a very nice debut album, as a product. As a piece of musical legacy however, I'm not that convinced. Flame On are former punk-rockers, but have turned down the energy a notch, testifying in their bio - that they are controlling it a lot more, challenging it I suppose. And the music is very challenging, bursts of energy - but with a melodic, read pop, edge that makes it quite mainstream. This kind of music has always been a blind-spot for me - I just don't get the idea with it! Bands like Good Charlotte, Blink 182, and yes - even Green Day, have attempted to make punk user-friendly, but as far as I am concerned, if they succeed in that - the entire musical project looses every single bit of interest. That's kind of how I feel about Flame On. They have managed to make a CD which is professional, melodic, and ready to be released to hoards of 14 year old hormone-bombs. There is absolutely no punk-edge left in this music, its been polished off with the biggest sander they could find. All that's left to testify of Flame On's history, is the characteristic guitar riffs/burps. On a more Flame On have managed to merge a few styles in with their puny version of punk-pop. Tracks including death-metal singing (Linkin Park you say), or industrial sounds (Incubus anyone?) are spread out over the album. But it doesn't impress me, and seeing as I am the one who gives out blades, I get the last say. But I can't deny that this album is tight, well produced, and a very good candidate for favourite album of anyone still in high-school, or with frustrations inside that can't be vented otherwise. My advise, if you're really mad, listen to real punk, if your just a little mad, try football. Three blades, only because they have done such a great job in producing this thing themselves.
http://www.flameon.dk

Kristian

The Guv'nors - Yob-Pop 7" (Trash 2001 Records)
Now here's a nice surprise, looking at the cover I expected generic oi punk with singalong soccer choruses but fortunately The Guv'nors don't stick to that formular, no mate, they crank out some delicious 70s hardrock riffs along with the catchy beersoaked tunes, and blimey, this shit fuckin' rocks! 4 cool mid-tempo rockin' punk anthems and one furious Motörhead rager, "Get The World To Me", left this geezer one happy and satisfied customer! The lads are based in Aarhus, Denmark, and this release is more than welcome since 2004 has been kind of a slow year for Danish r'n'r compared to 2003. Have a drink on me, fellas!
http://www.theguvnors.dk
http://www.trash2001.de

Jens

Music Mafia - København Brænder CD (Return Of Happiness)
I have mixed feelings about this debut album by Music Mafia from Copenhagen. They play so-called revolutionary rock with Danish lyrics with a very bleak view on things and sings about anarchy and throwing stones at people. It's very easy to ridicule their radical political views and quite simple lyrics about how bad it is living in Denmark….or living at all. On the other hand the songs are performed with great conviction and they obviously really mean what they are saying and they are saying it in a direct way we are not really used to from Danish bands. And yes, there is definitely something rotten in Denmark so we need this kick in the ass!! Music wise it's organ driven rebellious rock with punk energy and a lot of nerve. The title means Copenhagen Is Burning by the way.

Don K

Super Galore - Talentshows
( from advance cd, E.S.P Recordings)
This is a track taken from Danish Super Galores debut album which will be out January 27th. It's a real cool and catchy song with a haunting guitar riff, groovy pounding bass and with vocal harmonies that sounds if they caught a cold. It sounds just great! People who dig BRMC, The Raveonettes and The Kills should defenitely give these guys a listen! You won't be disappointed! Talentshows is mixed by Ed Stasium whose merits include Ramones, Talking Heads, Misfits and many more. I eagerly awaits the full album!

JT