Released in March, Boom Boom Deluxe‘s self-titled debut EP is a swinging six-track modern twist on American rockabilly styles of the ‘50s and ‘60s.
Led by singer / songwriter Dunken Francis, Boom Boom Deluxe encapsulates the sensibilities of a bygone era, emanating foot-stomping energy courtesy of rhythm section players Lance Bentley on drums and Henrieta Tornyai playing upright bass, plus Sam Swindells on guitar.
Their music also includes a healthy dose of self-irony through Francis’ tongue-in-cheek lyrics and a sense of playful musicality. Tornyai sings lead on Hanky Panky and guitar and harmonica solos are authentically delivered throughout the mini-LP.
Production-wise the tremolo and delay is a tasteful addition to the guitar track Swamp Thing, idiomatic of course to the genre from which it is derived. Tasteful brushwork is evident in Stop The Bus (I Wanna Get Off), not surprising as Bentley is well known for his deliberate yet restrained drumming style.
The mix sounds detailed and clear. There is more bass than I would normally like, but I guess it is a stylistic choice suited to the genre. In short, if you are looking for a post-modern Elvis or Buddy Holly to liven up your living room or car, then look no further than Auckland’s own rockabilly livewires Boom Boom Deluxe. You won’t be disappointed.
