MINK JAGUAR "Mink Jaguar" 2005

For all the lamenting of the supposedly sad state of rock and roll in this Digital Age (especially in Sydney) there are some great bands if you dig deep enough. No-one can accuse Australian label Off the Hip of not doing their part to expose some (most?) of it, and here's another sterling example……Mink Jaguar are a three-piece with a stage presence so unimposing as to be damn near invisible. There's not a lot of flashiness or showmanship in what they do; they hide under caps half the time and don't go out of their way to court their audiences. But for stripped-back, no-bullshit rockabilly-and-roll (emphasis on the roll) they're just about as good as anything Sydney has to offer. It's hard to pigeonhole Mink Jaguar - and that's half their secret. They summon up all sorts of spirits from influences like Chuck Berry, the Sun label bands, the Cramps and any number of country rockers like Wanda Jackson. The other thing you need to know if they're all terrific players, with drummer Joel Ellis nailing the beat to a street corner where swing meets power (cock an ear to Hank Williams' "Window Shopping" or the strong-arm patterns on Buck Owens' "Rhythm or Booze" for proof). He's a powerhouse. His brother Ariel lays down the basslines that colour and fuel these tracks. Singer-guitarist Billy Quan provides the melodies and six-string strum and holds a tune in that classic journeyman style.
That these are simple tunes to hold and appreciate - it's no drawback on either score. Just under half the 15 are covers, but don't let that be a deterrent. Most are obscure enough for the Minks to assert ownership without the landlord noticing. And here's where the Cramps connection cuts in: the Minks are equally passionate about their '50s rockabilly and choose their covers well. From the visceral take on Mr Berry's chestnut "Let It Rock" to the killer chorus of "Hotter Than Mojave" (bet it would be a hit in Nashville, but I'm not sure Dement Iris sang it like this), these are songs played economically and with a rock sensibility that would melt their Mums and Dads' old vinyl collection (from where many were undoubtedly culled).
Originals like the poppy "Campsie City Line" and "Anywhere But Here" aren't as strong as the covers but don't let the team down either and that's hopefully a portent for the next album. Production is warm and live and another feather in the cap for Big Jesus Burger Studio in Sydney.
From the fake ring-wear on the cover slick to the outro of a record player arm lifting the stylus off the vinyl (nice touch) this is a great little disc. The only real criticism is the disc is too short at 31 minutes. Next time let's shoot for a double album boys, eh? This sort of timeless shit doesn't wear out its welcome easily.– The Barman, http://i94bar-dev.info/reviews/minkjaguar.htmltrax:

01 Campsie City Line 02 Let It Rock 03 Window Shopping 04 Say You Do 05 Poison In Your Heart 06 High & Dry 07 Hotter Than Mojave 08 Holy Mountian 09 Red Queen 10 Right Or Wrong 11 Find My Baby 12 Nothing Shaking 13 Rhythm & Booze 14 Whose Shoulder 15 Anywhere But Here

…originally served by Gyro1966...