Happy Ol' McWeasel "Heard Ya Say"
Release date: March 17, 2015
Running time: 41:37, 12 tracks
There are quite a few long-awaited albums that have been out or are going to be released in 2015: The Rumjacks, The Real McKenzies, Mr. Irish Bastard, The Peelers … However, the one that I was eager to listen to was Happy Ol’ McWeasel's second album, “”Heard Ya Say!. The seven Slovenians first album, “No Offence”, was a gem. But, IMHO, the self-penned songs were far better than the Irish standards. Then, I wanted to know which approach they would follow in their sophomore album. Fortunately, Gregor and the boys have delivered 12 top-notch originals that make this album a must have.
“Heard Ya Say!” has all the ingredients for success: a well-balanced mix between electric instruments (guitar, bass and drums) and folk instruments (accordion, banjo and viola); a fantastic singer and great backing vocals; punk metal and hard rock arrangements; infectious acoustic themes … and a Central European “appellation d’origine” sound.
Let’s focus on some of the songs. “Blow” is my favourite song on the album: one listen to the acoustic guitar, but soon accordion, guitars and drums grab you into a maelstrom. Gregor vocals are perfect, there is a viola and banjo solo, some seagulls sounds and then the electric guitar part. A kick-ass hard-rock number with a Meat Loaf twist.
Another highlight is “On Your Own”. It’s an epic song with an excellent folk theme. Banjo, viola, accordion, backing vocals ... everything fits on this well-oiled number.
“Away” has an acoustic beginning with viola and accordion, and then it burst into a powerful hard rock song with gang vocals and electric guitar.
”Badger and The Coon” is a lively song featuring accordion and fiddle. Happy Ol’ McWeasel give Paddy and the Rats a run for their money with this catchy song.
“Running through” is a number on which the folk instruments weight is maybe smaller, but it’s an excellent song with guitars and great vocals as usual.
I've named a few songs, but the average level is very, very high: “Join the Crew” with street punk gang vocals and sharp guitars, “Can’t Wait” with its pop-rock from the 80’s flavour, “Left Behind”, and Americana number with Flatfoot 56 echoes, “World to See”, a punk goes metal song, or the opening number “Heard Ya Say!”. And remember, the album has been produced by Bezjak and Happy Ol' McWeasel, and mastered by Finnish mastering wizard Mika Jussila at Finnvox. "Heard Ya Say!" digital version can be downloaded for free from the band's website, but CDs can be bought from the band's store too.
Happy Ol’ McWeasel have joined the selected group of European bands that are stretching the boundaries of Celtic punk-rock. They have decided to join the ranks of the likes of Sir Reg and Paddy and The Rats and have delivered a master piece. Hats-off!
Release date: March 17, 2015
Running time: 41:37, 12 tracks
There are quite a few long-awaited albums that have been out or are going to be released in 2015: The Rumjacks, The Real McKenzies, Mr. Irish Bastard, The Peelers … However, the one that I was eager to listen to was Happy Ol’ McWeasel's second album, “”Heard Ya Say!. The seven Slovenians first album, “No Offence”, was a gem. But, IMHO, the self-penned songs were far better than the Irish standards. Then, I wanted to know which approach they would follow in their sophomore album. Fortunately, Gregor and the boys have delivered 12 top-notch originals that make this album a must have.
“Heard Ya Say!” has all the ingredients for success: a well-balanced mix between electric instruments (guitar, bass and drums) and folk instruments (accordion, banjo and viola); a fantastic singer and great backing vocals; punk metal and hard rock arrangements; infectious acoustic themes … and a Central European “appellation d’origine” sound.
Let’s focus on some of the songs. “Blow” is my favourite song on the album: one listen to the acoustic guitar, but soon accordion, guitars and drums grab you into a maelstrom. Gregor vocals are perfect, there is a viola and banjo solo, some seagulls sounds and then the electric guitar part. A kick-ass hard-rock number with a Meat Loaf twist.
Another highlight is “On Your Own”. It’s an epic song with an excellent folk theme. Banjo, viola, accordion, backing vocals ... everything fits on this well-oiled number.
“Away” has an acoustic beginning with viola and accordion, and then it burst into a powerful hard rock song with gang vocals and electric guitar.
”Badger and The Coon” is a lively song featuring accordion and fiddle. Happy Ol’ McWeasel give Paddy and the Rats a run for their money with this catchy song.
“Running through” is a number on which the folk instruments weight is maybe smaller, but it’s an excellent song with guitars and great vocals as usual.
I've named a few songs, but the average level is very, very high: “Join the Crew” with street punk gang vocals and sharp guitars, “Can’t Wait” with its pop-rock from the 80’s flavour, “Left Behind”, and Americana number with Flatfoot 56 echoes, “World to See”, a punk goes metal song, or the opening number “Heard Ya Say!”. And remember, the album has been produced by Bezjak and Happy Ol' McWeasel, and mastered by Finnish mastering wizard Mika Jussila at Finnvox. "Heard Ya Say!" digital version can be downloaded for free from the band's website, but CDs can be bought from the band's store too.
Happy Ol’ McWeasel have joined the selected group of European bands that are stretching the boundaries of Celtic punk-rock. They have decided to join the ranks of the likes of Sir Reg and Paddy and The Rats and have delivered a master piece. Hats-off!
Tracklist:
01. Heard Ya Say! 3:56
02. Good Deeds 3:08
03. Away 3:19
04. On Your Own 3:49
05. Badger and the Coon 3:10
06. Join the Crew (Anthem)
07. Not True 3:48
08. Can‘t Wait 3:16
09. Blow 3:32
10. Left Behind 4:10
11. Running Through 3:39
12. World to See 2:53
Website
Facebook
Soundcloud
Reverbnation
Twitter
Click to buy:
01. Heard Ya Say! 3:56
02. Good Deeds 3:08
03. Away 3:19
04. On Your Own 3:49
05. Badger and the Coon 3:10
06. Join the Crew (Anthem)
07. Not True 3:48
08. Can‘t Wait 3:16
09. Blow 3:32
10. Left Behind 4:10
11. Running Through 3:39
12. World to See 2:53
Website
Soundcloud
Reverbnation
Click to buy:
Band's store (CD)
Amazon
CDbaby
iTunes
Review by Kinksmarkham
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