B-Sharps - Play Cherchez Kauna

by Adrian Huggins

published: 2 / 10 / 2010

Label: Chain Smoking Records
Format: CD

Breakneck and raw garage rock on superb debut album from Fort Wayne-based band, the B-Sharps

Review

Fort Wayne’s the B-Sharps crash into the world with their debut album, 'Cherchez Kauna', and are set to make a real name for themselves amongst those who have a flair for the true old school rock 'n' roll sound. They blend together a retro garage and 50’s rock 'n' roll influence with an overly zealous helping of surf punk. With plenty of the raw attitude which goes with garage rock, the B-Sharps play with the breakneck speed of the Ramones and the snarl and sneer of the heavier side of early punk rock. Recorded in a cold garage in their home town, the B-Sharps, led by enigmatic frontman Keith Owen, really kicks the doors in on all the over produced and sickly rock music that most bands of their age are churning out at the moment. Tunes like ‘Small Fire’, ‘Red in the Morning’ and ‘Cheap Suits’ are bound to be lapped up by those sporting rockabilly quiffs around the world, while having the total crossover appeal that goes into the realms of old fashioned pop punk. Think Dinosaur Jr et al. ‘Blue Tornado’ is a great example of the band's song writing style and depth. Bassist Nick Allison helps them to sound like a band far beyond their years. With ‘Cherchez Kahuna’ the B-Sharps have perfectly captured the spirit of their predecessors. They have the knack of sounding raw without letting standards slip or getting sloppy anywhere along the way. Lead guitars from Mitch Frazier screech throughout giving a nod to the classic rock n roll bands of the past. This is held together by rhythm guitarist Timmy Oberley and brothers Nick and Alex Allison respectively on drums and bass. The B-Sharps are absolutely watertight and playing this fast in this style they have to be. A real treat.

Track Listing:-

1 Small Fire
2 Cheap Suit
3 B Minor
4 Bird or a Boy
5 Nelson Street
6 Count Me In
7 Geneva
8 Hubba Hubba
9 Too Tall
10 Blue Tornado
11 Red in the Morning
12 Thirds a Charm