Album Review: River's End, The Frantics

Featuring ex-Whipping Boy tub-thumper Colm Hassett in their line-up, and bolstered by appearances from session performers like Daragh from Republic Of Loose, the musicianship on this Wexford trio’s debut is as impressive as their pedigree suggests. While their songwriting skills don’t quite match the high standards of playing, fans of ‘60s rock and ‘70s psych will have plenty to sink their teeth into.

Boasting spartan old-school production, Rivers End makes you feel like you’ve been invited to an extended, quality jam session. Along the way, there are nods to everyone from Captain Beefheart (‘International Slave’) to Dire Straits (‘Dear Lucy’). Although a little editing would’ve improved tunes like ‘Spellbound’ (a fusion of Irish folk and Hendrix-style pyrotechnics), these songs will surely sound incendiary live.

Rating: 6/10