By Jason Barnard
I last spoke to SMASH Fashion’s front man Roger Deering for the release of the LA band’s critically lauded debut ‘Big Cat Love’. Four years later, ‘Rompus Pompous’ lives up to its title. An album that delivers in killer hooks, crunching guitars and full fronted swagger it is typified by lead track ‘Runs In The Family’.
‘Can’t Take You Anywhere’ brings together the glam, punk and power-pop trademarks the band are known for, with ‘Wolves Of Wonderland’s riff adding a classic rock sheen to proceedings. The pace is kept up throughout this release with 70s strut of ‘Teenage Demon’ and ‘Proper Way To Eat A Muffin’ recalling Alice Cooper and T.Rex respectively. Likewise ‘Tender Was The Hook’s Bowie feel is vibrant and familiar.
The Bowie connection is sealed through the finale ‘Smiles And Daggers’ which sees the band branching out into new territory. Ably assisted by David’s legendary piano man Mike Garson, this dark track shows another side to SMASH Fashion, a truly fitting way to close Rompus Pompous.
More information at: www.smashfashionmusic.com
