Breaking From The Norm
Its widely assumed that only metal or pop music finds its way out of Sweden. With this in mind new exports from the country have to be at the top of their game, they have to have their fingers on the pulse as well as providing something that little extra, a little spark to really make them stand out from their fellow country man. So, with so much expectation hovering over their heads can Captain Murphy deliver, can they step out of the shadows of their metal comrades and deliver something unexpected? You bet they can.
Kicking off with a spoken announcement as way of introduction, Captain Murphy immediately sound more like a hip hop act then a rock outfit. That is until they unleash the guitar riffs. Flaying around frantically, 'Human Cannonball' screeches past in a flurry that conjures images of Australian rockers Jet. From this the four piece offer a dose of Americana as a sun drenched hook lays its trap, invitingly and unapologetically pulling you further into the world of Captain Murphy as their cheery rock mixes with brass and upbeat lyrics which are initially eclipsed by Captain Murphy's thick Swedish accents. And from this point the Swedish rockers seem to put all their faith in simply delivering an album of fun and frolics. 'Leaving All The Dead Behind' is a slice of Americana soaked rock and roll brimming with wailing guitars, honey toned lyrics and irresistible handclaps that simply beg to be joined along with whilst 'Space Is A Cold And Lonely Place' finds the band in a more reflective mood as they slow the pace, making way for vocal harmonies and twinkling guitars before 'Lost Little Chrissy' gets back to their dirty rock roots. Seductively deploying a menacing bass line, 'Lost Little Chrissy' throws in the allure of brass melding with insistent drumming that draws you further into the rock submerged world of Captain Murphy.
Playfully transporting you back in musical time, Human Cannonball takes in the best parts of 70s glam rock and welds them to the frisky pop hooks of the 60s making for an album of irresistibly enjoyable rock. 'Stuzie' finds Captain Murphy channelling T-Rex and The Beatles as the Swedish band unleash a pop fuelled gem strapped to a wannabe glam rock mentally equipped with contagious "ahhhs" that are compelling.
Human Cannonball it is safe to say is far from a normal offering from a Swedish outfit. Fun filled and with the allure and charm of an album that unapologetically is out to have a good time, Human Cannonball is a blast of frolicking old fashioned rock and roll, the type to tap your feet to and unashamedly clap your hands to. Its Jet meeting The Hives without the swaggering arrogance and preening and is a nice break from the seriousness that tends to swamp the music industry.