Vol IV: Johnny Pyro And The Dance Of Evil
Mick Pyro and co. showcase some new stylistic influences on impressive third album
Paul Nolan, 09 May 2008
After delivering two superb albums with This Is The Tomb Of The Juice and Aaagh!, Dublin funk-rockers Republic Of Loose have now returned with their third full-length offering which, naturally enough, they have opted to call Vol IV.
The record is another inspired collision of funk, soul and hip-hop influences, and will no doubt go down a storm with the Loose’s loyal fanbase, whilst also luring in a few floating punters for good measure.
The record kicks off with ‘Got’, a powerful mix of blaring brass, crunching guitars and pounding drums. One of the first stand-outs is ‘The Steady Song’, which is built on a brilliant funk groove and boasts fantastic vocal performances from Mick Pyro and guest singer Isabel Reyes-Feeney. Whilst all of the Republican reference points are present and correct, Mick Pyro and co. have also added a few impressive new tricks to their repertoire. Contrary to its title, ‘Awful Cold’ is a blazing disco inferno that suggests the band have been taking dance classes at the DFA night school. The song is actually reminiscent of Black Leotard Front’s groove sensation ‘Casual Friday’ and is likely to prove a big live favourite.
Other tracks of note include the two-part suite ‘The Telephone’ (the first half of which features an appearance from Sinéad O’Connor), the soul number ‘When I’m Gone’ and the epic gospel tune ‘My Brain’. Full of cracking rhythms, great humour and highly imaginative stylistic flourishes, Vol IV: Johnny Pyro And The Dance Of Evil is another excellent album from one of the best bands in the country.
Key Track: ‘Awful Cold’
Paul Nolan
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