Archie And The Bunkers
Songs From The Lodge
Dirty Water Records [2018]
Who: Archie and The Bunkers are the Cleveland-based duo of Emmett and Cullen O’Connor, brothers who have been playing music together for as long as they can remember. Songs From The Lodge is the groups sophomore album.
Sound: Described as “Hi-Fi organ punk,” Archie and the Bunkers come at you straight ahead with overdriven organ and a cranking drum beat. They are high energy that is reminiscent of classic acts like The Cramps and The Stooges with a modern flare that would fit in with any John Reis band such as Rocket From The Crypt and Hot Snakes (if they were steered by an organ) or Jon Spencer!
TFN Final Take: Archie and the Bunkers are brewing a catchy concoction of organ punk out of Cleveland that will instantly grab you. The brother duo of Emmett and Cullen O’Connor have put together an extremely tight record that is built on the confident attitude of the brother’s deeper tone snarl vocals which their music just embraces. The hypnotic organ moving up, down and around while the drums keep perfect pace turn a simple back yard garage track into a smoking night club gem. “You’re My Pacemaker” is one of those songs that sells my point with its opening organ riff that repeats itself throughout as the song builds into its memorable chorus. The dramatic plead in “Fire Walk With Me” is another moment that separates out Archie And The Bunkers when it moves from crawler to scorcher. The album was produced by Jim Diamond (Dirtbombs, White Stripes) which seems like a natural choice as he helps keep a very raw sound to the 11 tracks found on Songs From the Lodge. If you are looking for a solid and unique listen that will have you reaching for the volume knob seek out Archie And The Bunkers. It is time to give organ punk its reign!
Archie And The Bunkers Website
Archie And The Bunkers Facebook
Dirty Water Records
– Reviewed by Christopher Anthony
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