The Nomads – Hardware (LP)

The opening is entrusted to the incendiary "Call Off Your Dogs," written for the Nomads by none other than Jeffrey Lee Pierce and Peter Case. Wild fuzzy guitars rage over a telluric rhythm base and a legendary refrain. "Jungle Fever" by Charlie Feathers and "Swamp Gal" by Tommy Bell are amphetamine-laced and swampy voodoobilly tracks that lead us into the unhealthy territories of the Cramps, while the irresistible boogie of "Move It On Over" by Del Shannon closes the album in a frenzied whirlwind of smoking instruments.

"Surfin' In The Bars," "(I Can't Use) The Stuff I Used To Use," and "Check Your Backdoor"are, instead, the best original moments, played as if the Stooges and MC5 decided to take a vacation and leave gloomy Detroit to go surfing on some Californian beach or, better yet, on the Australian Reef, amidst distorted guitars and boundless energy.

Hardware is not a milestone, but it's a great R'n'R record where you can sense the sweat dripping and the instruments sizzling. An essential album in my collection because, with its impure garage rock mixed with '77 punk and '80s Australian power pop, it generates a thrilling concentration of vitality that can benefit the ears, liver, and spirit.

Label: LD Records ‎– LD 877

Country: Europe

Media Condition: Very Good Plus (VG+)
Sleeve Condition: Near Mint (NM or M-)

Plays top with only a few faintly hairlines. Insert included.