V/A ‘Sweet Times – Volume 1’ 4 Way Split 7″ 2013

Sweet Times Volume 1So, one of my favourite underground labels, Who Can You Trust Records, is starting a series of 7” compilations entitled “Sweet Times”. This is sexy news indeed. I’ve always been a bit of a fan of split releases so here we have four bands each weighing in with a track that runs for less than 3 minutes. Perfect, we get variety and economy. So far so good!!!

One of the label’s brightest stars, Hot Lunch, kick off with a cover of 70’s obscuros Crushed Butler’s “Love Is All Around Me”. Having never heard the original hardly seems to matter as Hot Lunch have that whole retro sound and vibe nailed. It pretty much seems that this band can do no wrong and this is a big balled slice of dirty, vintage rock with a rousing chorus and the prefect springboard for the rest of this release.

Glitter Wizard literally tear into their track “Siren”. This is blistering, full throttle, hard arsed garage rock with steaming guitars backed up by spectral organ and some throaty vocals that sound like a pervert with a stash of porn and a pair of binoculars.

Blondie get the cover treatment when Dirty Fences rip the arse out of “Will Anything Happen”. Again I’ve not heard the original but this is a prime piece of mid 70’s style American punk rock. It’s not a million miles from The Ramones…but with more chords and with Joey’s laconic drawl replaced with a gang of snotty youths.

Ovvl bring this piece of wax to a close with a track that is almost prog in comparison to the three that have gone before. In a shade under 3 minutes they chop and change rhythms and riffs with a vibe that’s not dissimilar to some of the NWOBHM bands albeit with a little more crust under their finger nails.

This release will be limited to 500 copies so won’t be around forever. It’s a short, sharp rocking shock that serves as a perfect introduction to the label. Who can you trust? I think the answer to that is pretty obvious!!!

Label: Who Can You Trust Records
Hot Lunch: Facebook
Glitter Wizard: Facebook | Bandcamp
Dirty Fences: Facebook | Bandcamp
Ovvl: Official | Facebook | Bandcamp

Scribed by: Ollie Stygall