Released: 10/08/09

The Lovvers’ myspace page states that they are in the ‘punk, pop-punk and post-punk’ genres. I just can’t place them however. Kinda thrashy US punk, but with an equally slow strum, bordering mainstream, but then they have no UK agent or booking manager. They decide who they want to play with so maybe that stamps on Radio One’s “new talent” dithery. I don’t know, but I think I like them. They have a sound that is both vintage (holding onto the punk nonchalance, 60s poppy joyousness and the requisite indie uniform) as well as ruddy good modern.

After a million gigs, three years and supporting the Yeah Yeah Yeahs (definite similarities), the three chaps, all from different counties in Blighty, have released the album, OCD Go Go Go Girls, and to be honest, it sounds like they have a smattering of OCD themselves. Self-confessed control freaks, The Lovvers believe that music management is basically rubbish, they are known for their strong opinions and sharp talking. Probably they’d be really scary to interview, but darn ‘cool’.

They’ve embraced the guitar bashing attitude and dirty punk from the 70s, and then added Black Rebel Motorcycle Club/The Strokes vocals, before whacking in some Beach Boys delight. Complete with an analogue recording in Oregon by Pat Kearns, I can imagine driving to the ocean with these men. Lots of raw, scratchy guitars and a jumping up and down for youth – hmmm…when did an independent English band last do this?

Some of the tracks are a bit guitar dirge, but generally it is a goodly album. 100 Flowers is a swaying, jumping noise that takes me back to Reading 2001, as does Creepy Crawl, but I adore Golden Bars Blue – it’s an addictive sound, as sweet and mouth watering as apple sours, as is Wild Smiles. Axtxtxixtxuxdxe is deep with the invincibility of being young and titled so because it just can, I guess. Cool?

www.lovvers-letscommunicate.blogspot.com

Helen Martin