Aquatic Ape Theory (10")

For a band so highly-regarded for their mesmeric stage presence, The Drab Doo Riffs do a jaw-dropping job of capturing that charisma to tape. Available only on 10" vinyl, Aquatic Ape Theory is the fourth in a string of EPs from the ragtag bunch and is jammed-packed with that ferocity the five-piece are so well known for. The thematic voyage doesn't stray too far away from their trademark "spockabilly" tones, but it appears frontman Karl Steven has hung up his harmonica this time in favour of a sci-surf sound, especially when compared to 2011's Western-esque A Fistful of Doo-Riffs.

Boasting seven-and-a-half stompin' tracks that explore the evolution of homo sapiens, the record gets rolling with a couple of familiar numbers - the magnetic 'Tesla Girl' and 1950s throwback 'Do the Cat'. Following tracks are equal parts punchy and catchy with Steven again displaying his fantastic lyrical agility supported by Caoimhe Macfehin's classic shoo bop backups.

Side one rounds off with the manic 'Grey Matter' and on the flipside the instrumental title track reinforces the record's crunchy, dark, surf swell before getting to the guts of it all with 'Fantastic Voyage' and 'Superpotencia Mi'. Lucy Stewart and Marcus Joyce, guitar and bass respectively, do a great job of providing strong riffs and Michael Sperring certainly is no slouch on the skins. The resulting sound is tight, yet not restricted, and succeeds in conveying a sense of flat-out fun. It's a record the will no doubt delight devoted followers of the Doo Riffs.
8 / 10 UTR