The Rascals
Rascalize

With wonder and amazement, I noticed the absence of a review concerning the English indie rock band "The Rascals", a young trio composed of the quirky guitarist and singer Miles Kane (you probably know him from the Last Shadow Puppets, a duo formed by him and the Arctic Monkeys' frontman, Alex Turner), bassist Joe Edwards, and drummer Greg Mighall. Not well known either in England or in our beloved Italy, the band in question released their first studio album, "Rascalize", a little over a month ago, which in my personal opinion is an album more than worth listening to, definitely different from the wave of indie rock bands currently overcrowding the English Channel. Surely, my dear friends, you must be wondering, "But how? In England nowadays there are only post-punk revival bands, Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs, etc... All the same!" Although I am a great admirer of the bands currently present in Great Britain, I must warn you that the subjects in question are not at all what they seem. Psychedelic, progressive rock, and experimental sounds abound in this product, songs like "Does Your Husband Know That You're On The Run", "Freakbeat Phantom", "Bond Girl" and the title track "Rascalize" are characterized by more experimental and progressive sounds than the classic indie rock ballads now widespread in England; you can find such types of songs in "Out Of Dreams" (the first single launched by the band from Liverpool), characterized by heavy and fast guitar riffs and a rhythm that moves along briskly, "I'll Give You Sympathy" and "How Do I End This" (an excellent piece, characterized by smooth lyrics and a fluid and pleasant sound). In short, in conclusion, a truly enjoyable album in terms of sound, song structure, and vocals. I recommend it with all honesty, this album is truly a revelation for indie rock lovers but also for those who turn their noses up at any name that starts with "The" and ends with "s". To be noted and admired is the excellent voice of Miles Kane, deep and direct, very similar to that of his friend Alex Turner, but with something, in my opinion, more. Don't expect a copy of the Arctic Monkeys; the songs on this LP are veeeery different from those on any Monkeys' album (and thus I always refer to the experimental and progressive sounds, different from the rock sounds of the Arctics).

Tracklist:

Rascalize
Out Of Dreams
Bond Girl
Fear Invicted Into The Perfect Stranger
Does Your Husband Know That You're On The Run?
Id'be Lying To You
Freakbeat Phantom
People Watching
Stockings To Suit
How Do I End This?
I'll Give You Sympathy

A pro: Miles Kane’s rough yet sensual voice adds something extra to the album, which is already interesting for the diversity of sounds compared to the monotony of the classic indie rock bands currently present.

A con: to be honest, I haven’t found any, perhaps the songs are too short, and they should try to construct more complex pieces. Nevertheless, I eagerly await the release of the second album, notoriously a graveyard or springboard for an artist.

P.S.: Being this my first review on this wonderful site, I gladly accept advice, suggestions, criticisms (provided they are always within reasonable bounds) to improve my writing. Regards.