A long time ago there was a punk rock n roll scene exploding in Sweden and it was knocking out Rock n Roll bands ten to the dozen. Some terrific records were being made and tremours were felt near and far. THE HELLACOPTERS, ‘DEMONS’, NOMADS, BACKYARD BABIES AND THE HIVES ALL seemed to be releasing records that were taken to the hearts of many a punk rock n roll fan around this spinning rock it also spilled over borders with the likes of GLUECIFER and TURBONEGRO were also delivering truly awesome and memorable records.
A record that crept out on CD that was equally as good as the finest releases from this genre and a whole lot better than most. Step forward A-Bombs and the album was ‘And Constantly Rotating’. Anyone who used to pick up the Hang the DJ comp or used to order from Sonically Speaking at the dawn of this internet before things were readily available at the press of a button. Scores of records and CDs were released some instant standards for the scene and others stayed underground or less known but over time equally as influential and have stood the test of time and with hindsight have grown in stature.
Let’s get this out there right from the top, A-BOMBS ‘And Constantly Rotating’ was and is an absolute stone cold banger. Originally released in ’98, I’m assured by people who lived in Sweden that A-Bombs were blowing the roof off venues with their take on punk n roll but their flame burned hard and fast and was extinguished in the blink of an eye. Their legacy is one album and a couple of singles CD eps and that’s it! but hell, if you’re going to leave behind just one album then make it a good one. and A Bombs left behind not a good one but a great one and unlike their contemporaries, it only ever hit the CD shelves… until now that is thanks to labels like these two.
As the howl of feedback builds and the backbeat is hammered out the vocals sneer into view before breaking out in one big bang and we’re off like a shot of adrenaline. A tonne of energy is unleashed and it doesn’t stop for eleven tracks. the menacing ‘Devils Own’ is more of the same a rockin ride played out over some cool wah and a cool sneering vocal.
If you’re looking for the pick of the pack or standouts then look no further than the fantastic fil scored opening of ‘Monstermind’ Just like a nuclear bomb! boom! an epic groove born in the garages and used by the likes of the Stooges and MC5 or even the Flamin Groovies its a fantastic tune and should have been the catalyst to sling these five punkers into all the right places.
‘Playing God’ has some nice n sleazy mouth organ honking on the intro as the song unferls into a beast with hints of GALLON DRUNK with the amps turned up to 11! I think its great that albums as good as this get a second wind for the ever increasing vinyl market and an album I loved twenty years ago is introduced to my turntable right where it should be. Fantastic! Don’t snooze on this one kids its a bonafide Banger!
Do I mention a hidden track? Nah go buy it and go find it for yourself Essential purchase!
RPMONLINE.CO.UK
1 – Just Like You!
2 – Devil’s Own
3 – Ain’t My Star
4 – Monstermind
5 – Leave The Best Behind
6 – Playing God
7 – Fire & Skill
8 – Autobahn
9 – Step Inside
Drums, Percussion – Jonas Lundberg
Electric Guitar, Lead Vocals – Danne Andersson
Guitar, Backing Vocals – Patric Wahlqvist
Harmonica – Peder Carlsson
Producer – Fred Estby