CD REVIEW: GINGER ALE & THE MONOWHALES – Bang

Label: Independant

Release Date: October 14, 2016

Rating: 8.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

I seem to have a soft spot for pop-punk-rock, especially from Canada.  Now there is another pop-filled reason to dig this music from way up North – the Bang EP from Ginger Ale & The Monowhales.  “Home” kicks the disc off nicely with a poppy track that creates a cool groove for the rest of the disc to follow.  The vocals from Sally Shaar are emotionally driven and give the song a sing-song feel from the verse and into a catchy chorus.  The guitars are fun and add a little punch to the bridges.  “Name For Myself” starts off with a bit heavier sound, but soon shifts to be a cool pop-rock tune that highlights the rhythm section, anchored by drummer Jordan Circosta.  The various tones and sounds from the keyboards and synths help carry the track along.  “Let It Fall” has a more electronic and synth sound than the other tracks on the EP – thanks to keyboards and synths from Holly Jamieson, but the sound twists in a pop feel during the chorus and bridge that help reel this in and make it part of a cohesive release.  “White Walls” has punk sound that, while not full-tilt attitude, does add a little oomph to the track and release.  This chugging rock, thanks to the guitars from Zach Zanardo that give the song pop and even a cool solo underneath the mix at the bridge.  Closer “Don’t Talk” slows the music down a bit to give us a different look and listen to the band.  I love the feel of this final track, as it adds a bit of depth to the bands sound with a more ethereal groove than previously offered on the 5-track disc.  Do yourself a favor and grab a physical copy of the disc as it features two “bogus” tracks: “Looking Simple” and “Blue Balls” which gives us even more diverse sounds that build on the bands music and style, especially the latter.

Tracklisting: Home – Name For Myself – Let It Fall – White Walls – Don’t Talk

Bonus Tracks: Looking Simple – Blue Balls

GINGER ALE & THE MONOWHALES LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

BANG – ITUNES

Category: CD Reviews