the flare-up whip 'em hard, whip 'em good

Released: 24 September 2009 Label: Criminal Records

Whip 'Em Hard, Whip 'Em Good is the second studio offering from Swedes The Flare-Up! (Yes, with an exclamation mark, it irritates me too) but if you’re into Stooges style garage punk it’s probably the only thing that will annoy you about this rather interesting quintet.

If you’re expecting your usual AOR rock or sleaze metal because it’s a Swedish band, think again. Opening track Put It In a Letter sets the scene as the band come across like a rather frantic Arctic Monkeys and show that The Flare-Up! are more from the school of fellow Swedes The Hives and The Hellacopters.

There are some cool and funky interesting synth sounds all over the album by keyboardist Niklas Hagen, including a groovy 70s bontempi organ tune in title track Whip 'Em Hard, Whip 'Em Good. Tracks like Kid Avenger sees vocalist Manne Svensson spitting out his vocals aggressively and frantically, yet with catchy hooks you can’t help but bop along to.

This is a fiery and fast album that has you jigging around your living room. It has a cross over appeal to fans of punk, garage, rock or indie. And anyone who says they’re influenced by Leo Sayer gets kudos from me.

by Lynn Wyeth