First of all let’s get past the band name. Their reasons for such a moniker are their own, but a scan over their lyrics will re-assure you Golliwog are far from racist. What they are is a fast-as-hell technical punk rock band from Slovenia.
Notably the band has a female vocalist/guitarist, something of a rarity, beyond grass-roots level at least, in contemporary punk rock. Sasa’s vocals sound similar to a higher pitched Scott Radinsky of Pulley fame, and are aggressive whilst maintaining a poppy and feminine style. Instrumentally the band storm along at an incredible pace with a smart, metallic edge. For the sake of current trends they could be likened to Protest The Hero, but for the fact that where that band’s stops, changes and multi-chord riffage smack of an ego-massage, Golliwog just come across as furiously passionate. The technical elements don’t feel like they were just thrown in there for the sake of it, but are integral parts of punk rock songs.
The craftsmanship on display here is awe inspiring. The drummer is a blatant metalhead, beating a hole in the bass-drum and keeping the pace at light speed. Meanwhile bassist Matej adds a creative element, sending the songs in all directions before going full steam ahead when the time is right. Add to that some stellar six-string riffage and you’ve got yourself a real eyebrow raiser.
There are eighteen tracks on display here, and while many of them are very short, a lower amount would have perhaps made for a more solid, effective release. Also, Golliwog‘s politics are of the heavily left wing institution-rejecting nature. Some may struggle to get past their “fuck this, fuck that” outlook, but then again as many Propagandhi fans will tell you, if there’s passion, you can relate. Give this brave bunch a try.
www.golliwog.cjb.net
Chainsaw Records
Alex