Choo Choo is from Switzerland, and is a self-described “Steam Powered” garage pop band. It’s easy to get excited when I heard the opener “A Little Wiser Now” with organ, guitar, drums and a killer hook that sticks like glue. Like many Rainbow Quartz bands, the retro sixties sound is bent to suit the songwriting of lead singer Dan Joerg. “Your Heart is Breaking Down” is another good song with a Doors-like organ solo and “la la” harmony at the break. The party atmosphere is evident in “All I Know” and the band has a crisp loud sound. This sound shares a lot in common with both The Clash and The Alarm, as well as 60s garage bands, and newer retro bands like The Ugly Beats or The Cynics. At some point the hooks leave the songs (“Half as Good”, “You Don’t Understand”) and you are left with that raw party energy, nothing else here gets close to that first single. Another standout is “Losing Balance” which comes closer to the Clash’s sound than any other song here. Also by the albums mid point, the Farfisa organ takes over the lead of the band and the songwriting gets less pop and more of a punk style. This may be okay for most listeners, to me it felt like it was the band was coasting a bit. It’s also worth noting that the cool cover has the band taped to the floor with duct tape. Where have I seen this before? The last track “I Ain’t Coming Home” is a great finish where the guitar sound and the harmonies return to add to the manic energy of the finale. Worth a listen for sure and I wouldn’t mind seeing these guys on stage either.
Choo Choo Website | My Space | Itunes
Listen to “Your Heart is Breaking Down”