Album Review: The Blazing Zoos- Chocks Away

Blending country, Americana and cow-punk, with a touch of music hall, this London-based outfit tread similar ground to the likes of Jason & The Scorchers, The Long Ryders and almost forgotten ‘80s Londoners, Boothill Foot Tappers.

Their credentials are certainly impressive: with an ex member of Jesus Jones and rock critic Andrew Mueller (guitar & vocals) in their ranks, the sound is – if not quite up to Nashville or Austin, Texas standards – impressively authentic.

There is an element of novelty about the venture. For the most part, Chocks Away comes across as rollicking good fun and, if the musical approach lacks adventure, the lyrics are sharp and witty. On the jaunty opening track, ‘Roy Rodgers Jr’, they take a wry swipe at a well-known Missouri retirement home for former country stars, with the quip, “I’m held to ransom/ In a theatre in Branson/ By a séance that needs a host.”

The good humour continues on the toe-tapping ‘It’s Your Own Time You’re Wasting’ and ‘Country Drinking Song’, in which they sing, “My neck’s not red and I don’t drive a truck/ If you’re looking for a cowboy you’re out of luck.” The opening bars of ‘Brighter With Your Love’ echo the riff of Elvis’s ‘Marie’s The Name (Of His Latest Flame)’, with the decidedly English-sounding vocals of Lara Pattison making for a refreshing change. The jangly ‘On My Own’ veers more towards Jayhawks territory and is a decent mix of country-rock and power-pop, while ‘I’ll Be Here All Week’ features impressive barrelhouse piano, with hints of Madness.

In truth, The Blazing Zoos are probably a better live prospect than they are serious recording artists – but this works as a nice introduction.

Out March 4

6/10