ALBUM REVIEW ~ ELECTRIC BOYS ~ 'GRAND EXPLOSIVOS'

I'm music magazine, electric boys, grand explosivos, mighty music, conny bloom, andy christell, domestic blitz, i've got a feelin, and the band played on part 2, album review — Photo Credit: Gabrielle Holmberg

Why in the world aren’t Electric Boys a household name in the U.S. when it comes to funky, melodic rock-and-roll music? Just ask the good folks in Denmark and Sweden and they’ll tell you exactly what we’re missing!

Formed in Stockholm in 1988, Electric Boys has roots in 70s groove rock and 60s pop and psychedelia. Their killer debut album Funk-O-Metal Carpet Ride was produced by the iconic Bob Rock (Metallica, Bon Jovi, The Cult, Mötley Crüe) and spawned one of the most overlooked gems of the 80s rock scene, “All Lips ‘N’ Hips.”

The boys released a stellar follow-up album (recorded at the Abbey Road Studios in London), “Groovus Maximus,” in 1992 before calling it quits two years later. Guitarist and lead singer, Conny Bloom went solo for a while until he, as well as bassist Andy Christell, joined the legendary Hanoi Rocks in 2005.

After reuniting in 2009 and releasing several solid albums, Electric Boys are back with a much-anticipated return to their hard rockin’, funky selves with Grand Explosivos, out on September 15 via Mighty Music.

The musical festivities kick off with “When Life Treats You Funky.” Would you expect anything less? The groove in this opening track is nothing short of infectious. And is that a little homage to the Beatles and “Hey Jude” I heard in the mix?

The first sing-along single “I’ve Got A Feelin’” is heavy on style and swing. Conny Bloom puts a sonic stamp on this track and the entire album with his unique and memorable vocal timbre.

“Slim” Martin Thomander on guitar and Jolle Atlagic on drums join Bloom and Christell to bring the raw rock energy, especially on radio-friendly tracks like “Domestic Blitz” and “Cozmic Jagger.”

“The Great Believer” is just the band showing off their impressive chops. In-your-face, meat-and-potatoes power rock at its best, with a touch of their trademark groove thrown in for good measure. Maybe the best track on the album.

This funky journey wraps up with “And the Band Played On Part 2,” which feels like an instrumental conclusion to “Part 1” which we hear earlier on the album.

In typical Electric Boys fashion, Grand Explosivos exudes a melodic glue that just sticks to your brain. A must-listen for all rock fans to be sure!

I’m Music Magazine Writer Steve Pawlowski