Review Summary: Post punk with attitude
The album ‘Just look at that sky’ is the second album from alternative/post-punk band called Ganser.
Listening to this album, it’s clear that Ganser has an asset that sets them apart from many other bands aiming at the same musical territory. The rhythm section is energetic - aren’t they all? The guitars get some good jams going... okay they ain’t maestros, but pretty competent and come up with some good jams... how many bands have competent guitarists? So many right! So, looking at that cover, it’s apparent that Ganser have a feisty, enigmatic lead lead singer. Ok, plenty of other bands have a feisty female lead singer - but when it comes to ‘Ganser’, other than a few fresh, interesting riffs, their main point of interest is their vocalist.
When she’s fired up, she really delivers. The opening ‘Lucky’ is a biting attack on people who can’t handle disappointment “Thought you’d be more?! Thought you’d be OK?! Well drink up sonny!” she powerfully scoffs along to perfectly dissonant, disillusioned sounding alternative rock.
The next two songs have plenty of fast alternative rock riffs, sometimes reminiscent of the more dissonant Nirvana songs like ‘Hairspray Queen’ and ‘Radio Friendly Unit Shifter’. However, it seems as though the vocals are taking a back seat, and while ‘Projector’ has a really energetic bass line, neither song really hits the mark.
Now, I know many fans of punk and post-punk don’t mind vocals being turned down and in the background, but I don’t really ‘get it’ - especially since this band has some angry stuff to say. So ‘Emergency Equipment and Exits’ is kind of post-punk with a feel of airy psychedelia. Despite some good guitar riffs, it doesn’t really make a great impression.
Thankfully, ‘Told you so’ feels like a “welcome back” as it’s full of feisty vocals and angry lyrics about fighting back against your critics... hmm, maybe against wannabe music critics!
Despite a great guitar riff, ‘Shadowcasting’ doesn’t pack enough punch, but ‘Bad Form’ is another killer track, with more hectic Nirvana-esque riffs and cynical lyrics about “oh yeah I’m fine, I’ve just been looking at the ceiling, and I can’t feel my limbs”.
The last two songs showcase more ambition, [no yes] is a trippy psychedelic song with some guy chatting to a psychiatrist in the background, while the album closing ‘Bags for life’ is backed up by a big brass section, which blends with their post-rock sound very well - actually this song is mostly good because of the brass section, the actual song isn’t terribly interesting.
As an album recap, this band has to understand where it’s strengths are. On songs like ‘Emergency equi...’ they can try and highlight their guitar riffs all they want, but they are at their best when they let their vocalist lead the way with her sneering swagger and cynical commentary. ‘Lucky’ is a great song and only a couple of the other songs realise that potential. A rating of 2.5 stars but if you like the idea of a post-punk band mixed in with more traditional punk rock vocals and some grungy riffs, or are fans of those styles of music, this should be a good album and worth maybe 3.5 stars
