The Bohicas - The Making Of
7/10
Evolving out of Swanton Bombs and signed to respected indie label Domino, The Bohicas have accepted the baton of guitar rock and rollers. Thus The Making Of attempts to recapture not only the essence of live snarling guitar pop (did anyone see them headlining the Radio 1 Academy show at Open?) but unashamedly references their own rock and roll heroes in a quest to keep the genre alive. The result is an energetic album, filled with razor-sharp guitar work, driving bass and stylish harmonies, laced with swagger and attitude but never threatening. It may not be unique but, as they lovingly share the simple pleasures of a catchy tune, the integrity and honesty is uncompromisingly infectious and deserves to be admired. Whichever decade spawned you there will be hooks and riffs that floated your own youth, be it the Five Miles High harmonies in the opener I Do it For Your Love, the Duran Duran effects and flourishes of the title track, or the Kings of Leon swamp beat of To Die For. Girlfriend mixes contemporary Alex Turner narrative with Led Zeppelin’s Bron-y-aur Stomp. As a debut it inevitably is their greatest hits collection. It would be a tragic waste to write them off as simply a very good tribute band.
7/10
