Squad Five-O
Squad Five-O
Tooth And Nail
This album is a scorcher. There isn’t any of that pop-punk music so familiar these days on this release from Squad Five-O; it’s straight ahead rock and roll that is full of swagger, rhythm, and attitude. It seems this five-piece from Savannah learned their lessons from old Rolling Stones, Ramones, and Sex Pistols albums. The album opens up with fretwork reminiscent of early AC/DC before kicking out the jams on “I Don’t Want to Change the World…” This track, with the hooks and melody that have soundtrack to summer written all over them, should be an instant hit. From there, they only raise the intensity levels even higher.
It seems, unlike a thousand other bands rockin’ out the suburbs, Squad Five-O remembers what great music is about: girls, parties, and above all else, fun. These songs not only careen with abandon and energy, they exude self-confidence. Relying on influences such as The Who, The Stooges, and above all else, The New York Dolls. You can hear the sneer in singer, Jeff Fortson’s vocals that seems channeled straight down from The Dolls through Stiv Bators and into him.
Beyond the passion, the musicianship is incredible throughout this disc. The interplay between the two guitarists (don’t you love two guitarists?!?), Adam Garbinski and Kris Klein, is essential. Trading riffs, or on the track “Turn It Up,” utilizing some wah-wah, to keep the energy level rising. The production, excellent throughout, allows the rhythm section of John Fortson (bass) and Dan Peterson (drums) to fill out the sound (especially on the back half of the track “Don’t Come Runnin’”). Ideally, this album should sell a million copies, less than that would be a crime. Currently on tour (and based in Savannah) there’s no reason that the readers of Ink 19 should miss out on Squad Five-O. Still unsure, the first (and excellent track) is posted on their Web site. Check them out.
Tooth & Nail Records: http://www.toothandnail.com
