Norway’s Turbonegro are the scariest band I’ve
heard in some time. They are irreverent with a zeal
that is unmatched and more than a bit frightening.
Their “faux-mo-erotic” lyrics leave the
listener feeling just a bit uncomfortable. If you’re
not feeling uneasy yet, get a look at these guys.
They come off as a mix between The Village People
and The Genitorturers. Now you’re afraid, aren’t
you?
“Retox” is sleazy punk metal with a vicious
bite. A bit like early Motorhead, but even more like
AC/DC versus the Donnas in a pissing contest. One
listen to this album will leave you feeling rather
sticky and unsure what just happened. The culminating
anthem “What Is Rock?” that closes “Retox”
tells you exactly why you should be afraid. This balls
out (and I’m a bit concerned that phrase may
turn out to be too literal for comfort) rocker defines
rock as “the possibility choking on your own
vomit in the back of a rapist’s van” among
other unsavory definitions. It’s enough to make
a man feel guilty for driving with one hand so you
can headbang with your other hand waving a devil salute
out the window.
All in all Turbonegro is just fun. I mean, I hope
it’s all fun… Tracks like “We’re
Gonna Drop the Atom Bomb” and “No, I’m
Alpha Male” drip with sarcasm, machismo, and
more than a few bodily secretions. “Do You Do
You Dig Destruction” could have been written
by the Ramones on an angry bender. What makes all
this loathsome behavior palatable? A wicked sense
of humor. Any band that can sing lines like “feed
me, cause everybody loves a chubby dude” with
conviction are either the best example of true rock
around or sick individuals who should be locked away.
In Turbonegro’s case, I’m convinced it’s
an equal mix of both possibilities.
Turbonegro’s greatest accomplishment is their
ability to appeal to a diverse crowd. Fans of metal,
punk and classic rock will all find something to enjoy
on “Retox” Oslo’s finest manage
to bring to mind AC/DC, Therapy?, The Donnas, The
Ramones and The Dead Boys all at once. If you’re
not easily offended, “Retox” has your
recommended daily allowance of sleaze.
Key Tracks: “Everybody Loves A Chubby Dude”,
“What Is Rock?”
Reviewed by Jim McDonald |
