BACKYARD BABIES: Sliver & Gold (HARD ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

"I've been shovin' rock'n' roll for 30 years! ". These words from the title 'Shovin' Rocks' alone sum up the Swedish spirit on this new album entitled "Sliver & Gold". If, as indicated in the lyrics, the Stockholm quartet has been throwing its sleaze-rock at the world for 30 years, this album is only their eighth recording release. This was enough to make of the Backyard Babies a cult formation but it is still light, even if it is rare for amateurs to complain about a quality that is always up to their desires. What can we expect for this celebration of the 30th anniversary from a group that no longer has much to prove and that is a reference?

No real surprise, but a good mix of big rock, hard, sleaze and punk boosted by a flawless energy and a sense of catchy melody. Pure Backyard Babies obviously. In the selection of the tracks that most deserve a listening, we will remember a "Good Morning Midnight" with its big rock that is not without reminding us of The Angels. A true hymn cut in the groove and enriched with a piano, the autobiographical "Shovin' Rocks" has an energetic and effective effect. 'Yes To All No' alternates the quiet passages worthy of a ballad with a hyper catchy and dynamic chorus. As for 'A Day Late In My Dollar Shorts', it is the worthy representative of a sleaze with influences combining punk and festive rock from a Michael Monroe.

The rest is more predictable despite its high efficiency and undeniable know-how. It is a pity, however, that a '44 Undead' is so reminiscent of the 'Minus Celsius' present on "Stockholm Syndrome" (2003). Of course, the energy and the big hard rock riff are great, but amateurs will surely feel a little bitter taste of recycling. For the rest, apart from the long ballad "Laugh Now Cry Later" which closes the whole with its piano and its acoustic atmosphere with the accents of Guns' N' Roses, we are on familiar ground with an eponymous track that even offers a neo-punk tailored for Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon FM waves.

Risk-taking is therefore not on the plan for this new offering by the Scandinavian quartet. Nevertheless, it remains a beautiful collection of energetic and catchy pieces for a total of 35 minutes, combining efficiency and melody with talent. The Backyard Babies have a strong identity and a philosophy that does not encourage headache. Amateurs will therefore not be surprised or disappointed with this "Sliver & Gold". This is already important and enough to have a good time. - Official website

BACKYARD BABIES

SLIVER & GOLD

CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS

HARD ROCK