Pearl Harbor & The Explosions
Liberation Hall, 2025
10/10
Listen to Pearl Harbor & The Explosions
The only album from Pearl Harbor & The Explosions, this New Wave gem arrived in 1980, and here it lives again with 7 bonus tracks.
“Drivin’”, one of the album’s singles, opens, and showcases front woman Pearl E. Gates’ soulful pipes amid Peter Bilt’s frisky guitar and plenty of grooves, and “You Got It (Release It)” follows with John Stench’s scrappy drumming that suits Gates’ expressive singing which complements the bright melodies.
Deeper into the original LP, “The Big One” uses strategic backing vocals alongside Hilary Stench’s playful bass licks, while “Get A Grip On Yourself” comes with animated drumming, meticulous guitar and Gates’ charming voice.
The bonus material starts with the non LP B-Side “Busy Little B-Side”, where the contagious energy is tailor made for the dance floor, and “Black Slacks”, a live selection, arrives later with plenty of rockabilly flavor that can’t not smile to.
Unfortunately, Pearl Harbor & The Explosions broke up after 18 months. The band we’re clearly onto something original and great via their mashing of pop, R&B, rockabilly, jazz and, of course, New Wave nods, and further proof resides in just how unique and relevant this album is 45 years later.
Travels well with: The Mutants- Curse Of The Easily Amused; APB- The Radio 1 Sessions