Gigantor – Rhythm and Trouble

Firstly, props to Golf who have seemingly unleashed the back catalogue of one of Germany’s finest exports since Beck Bier upon us. And secondly: ‘German pop-punk band in upstaging American counterparts at their own game shocker’. To simplify, GIGANTOR have a very American sound but have somehow managed to pull it off less cringingly than most genuine American bands. ‘Rhythm and Trouble’ is a release only previously available in Japan and could easily be the soundtrack to any self respecting pop-punk fan’s summer.

Whilst I mentioned that GIGANTOR carry a very American sound, it would also seem they have stolen Californian sunshine and captured it on disc; this album screams glorious sunny weather and has choruses bouncier than a solar powered space hopping frenzy. “Belly Up” and “Voices” are simply massive in the hook department and “Voxxy Lady” is a classic feel good pop-punk track with its melodic vocals and happy-go-lucky lyrics.

As with any good pop-punk album, there is an obvious and striking cheese factor which will either have you smiling with glee or metaphorically heaving over an old bucket like a true lactose intolerant music fan. For those in the latter category, a word of warning; ‘Rhythm and Trouble’ is high in the cheese steaks. Album name aside, when the opening lyrics to a song start off; “Because I love you, yeah I love you” you know you’re in Stilton heaven, or hell depending on your tastes. And what were they thinking when they borrowed the SMASHING PUMPKINS ‘Today’ riff in “Nowheresville”?!

All in all, this is a damn fine pure pop-punk album. It’s simply just good fun and as essential in this current bout of good weather as a chilled beer and ice cream. The American Pie quotes in between songs only make me think that this album would be a better suited to the film than the actual official soundtrack which was pretty well suited anyways. Why this band haven’t made it as big as some of their American counterparts is criminal, with this album being evidence proving it beyond any doubt, in my mind at least.

www.gigantor.de
Golf Records

Mike