Twenty-Six Screams
Apollon, 2022
9/10
A Norwegian outfit who were active from 1989-1992, The Lust-O-Rama left behind a healthy amount of a singles, EP’s and compilation tracks on various labels around the world. Fronted by the vocalist Arne Thelin (The Cosmic Dropouts), Twenty Six-Screams was originally released in 1991, and here it lives again with a remastered reissue that showcases their neo-sixties garage rock ways.
“(Can’t Do) Another Mistake” opens the listen with scrappy drumming, playful organs and plenty of surf-rock melodies, and this energy continues to the quick blast of garage rock and thumping fun of “Yeah”, as well as the raw and upbeat “I Want You”.
Further along, the anthemic and blistering pace of “That’s Okay” will get your body moving, while “Run From Her” is a bit more cautious and showcases meticulous guitar work.
Closer to the end, “Again And Again” brings a firm retro-rock spirit to the tuneful grit, and “1-2-5” exits the listen with a live selection, where soaring harmonica, pounding drums and rugged singing make for a lively and infectious finish.
It’s quite amazing that The Lust-O-Rama never achieved the success of bands like The Hives or The Strokes, cause their songs are just as memorable, animated and creative. I suppose, just like most things in music, timing was an issue, as Thelin and company peaked a bit before the world became enamored with the ‘60s again.
Thankfully, this reissue packages their legacy well, and Thelin still plays in Bithammer! and Dang!!!, which are both bands worth plenty of attention.
Travels well with: Bithammer!- Minimum Style, Maximum Effort; Dang!!!- Sociopathfinder