Thursday, 29 May 2008

american genius


foxboro hot tubs album review stop drop and roll!!!

After three years out of the limelight, and with rumours of a new album on it's way, the last thing Green Day fans expected was a side-project that consisted of the Berkley trio, and three of their musical associates. As if the introduction of Foxboro Hot Tubs wasn't enough of a surprise, it turns out that they're actually one of 2008's best rock and roll bands.

The name Foxboro Hot Tubs originates from the early days of Green Day, a place that the threesome would "take girls to get some privacy", the music however is rooted in late 60's, early 70's rock and roll, sounding somewhere between The Stooges, The Beach Boys, and The Kinks. 'Stop Drop and Roll!!!' is just over half-an-hour of powerful rock and roll that would be as suitable in a seedy nightclub as it would in a full blown arena.

Album opener 'Stop Drop and Roll' is arguably the best track on offering, with a simple guitar riff backing The Reverend's (aka Bille Joe Armstrong) snotty vocals, allowing Tre Cool a free reign on drums. This is everything The Vines should have been. 'Mother Mary' is a little more akin to Green Day's last studio effort 'American Idiot', whilst the organ accompaniement to the chugging 'Ruby Room' is straight from an Austin Powers movie.

The lazy-hazy sound of 'Red Tide' harks back to the surf sounds of the late 60's, and certainly shares qualites with the likes of The Kinks' 'Tired of Waiting For You'. 'Broadway' sounds like the Green Day that turned so many heads back in 1994, whilst 'Alligator' brings back memories of the trio's short-lived side project The Network.

'Stop Drop and Roll!!!' is another masterstroke from Green Day and their musical associates. With Foxboro Hot Tubs recieving glowing reports from their live shows, this short, sharp rock and roll treat may not be a one off.


Foxboro Hot Tubs - Stop Drop and Roll
Foxboro Hot Tubs - Ruby Room

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