Angus Crowne and the Family Jewels begin their new album Shag Rug with Little Green Rug. There is a serious nod to surf rock that includes hints of the Dead Kennedys and The Clash; Angus Crowne are able to have a hit coming out of the starting blocks. Get Me A Beer adds a bit of lounge and Tiny Tim into the mix; there is a frenetic sound, a bubbliness that will stick with listeners long after Shag Rug ceases to play. Middle Age Crawl begins with a slower tempo. The narrative quality of Middle Age Crawl will have listeners following each word; a bit of Devo can be heard here. The guitar / organ dynamic that is present immediately after the chorus is a high spot on Shag Rug.
Beyond The See brings a bit of the island / surf sound of the 1960s into the present day. Crowne’s vocals add considerably to the overall harmony of the track; when the guitar licks kick back in, a hip vibe immediately permeates the room. Punk Rock Aftershock kicks things back into high gear. Where a great many acts will put their weaker tracks towards the end of their albums, Angus Crowne and the Family Jewels kick things into a high gear with this penultimate track. Fans are given a remix of Beyond The See as the disc’s final track; there is a funky, disco-like groove that will be something that fans of Frank Zappa can appreciate. There are a number of distinct genres and styles that come into prominence during Shag Rug, but Angus Crowne and the Family Jewels are able to come forth and corral them into a comprehensive release.
Top Tracks: Get Me A Beer, Middle Age Crawl, Punk Rock Aftershock
Rating: 8.7/10
Angus Crowne and the Family Jewels – Shag Rug / 2017 Self / 11 Tracks / http://www.anguscrowne.com/ / https://www.facebook.com/Angus-Crowne-1728534427418847/