Rumble Strips
Girls And Weather

THE REVIEW

If you're a regular attendee of parties and gatherings with friends, you've likely encountered the classic group of tipsy guys singing songs of various genres, accompanied by just one beat-up, out-of-tune acoustic guitar.

 Now, if you add a backdrop of trumpets, sax, brass instruments, and more, you'll get the sound of a surprising and very young band: the Rumble Strips.

 "Girls And Weather" is the debut of this group, produced by Tony Hoffer (Beck, Air, The Fratellis, The Kooks). Having recently done four live shows here in Italy, the five guys from Devon (Great Britain) offer an incredible mix of indie rock, folk, soul, ska, and pop with the most refined intentions (and, above all, quality), unlike the ragtag partygoers mentioned earlier.

Charlie Waller, the band's singer and a big fan of Lou Reed and Adam And The Ants, has a voice so ramshackle and loud that it irresistibly enhances every single track of this debut. In general, it's surprising how the tracks seem irreverent, playful, and fresh yet also complete, well-thought-out, and polished.

In addition to the elements mentioned above, there's also an excellent reggae aftertaste that adds even more flavor to the mix. Whether it’s frenetic and fun rides ("Alarm Clock", "Time", "Building A Boat"), brilliant rhythmic ups and downs ("Clouds"), exquisite delicacies ("Don't Dumb Down"), or pure noise-making desire ("Cowboy"), the Rumbles always know how to enjoy and entertain.

Worth noting, outside of the album, is a hilarious live cover of "Back To Black," the famous Winehouse hit.

 If only there were more debuts as fresh and interesting as this. Let's hope the Rumble Strips don't lose the vibrancy that makes this album a genuine gem. Highly recommended.

 Key tracks: Alarm Clock, Girls And Boys In Love, Motorcycle, Clouds