#pack a.d.

2013

The Pack A.D. - Making Gestures

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Since the formation of The Pack A.D. by Canadian duo Becky Black and Maya Miller back in 2006 the band have performed across the world with everyone from The Artic Monkeys to Cage The Elephant picking up numerous plaudits along the way. In the past the band have been compared to everyone from The White Stripes and the Black Keys to Babes In Toyland and The Stooges (I'd add The Pixies and Royal Trux to that mix), what most reviewers can agree on is their raw feral sound is something to behold. On the band's latest album Do Not Engage the duo once again bombard ears with a glorious mix of hard hitting beats, fuzzy garage rock riffs and more hooks than most bands manage in a lifetime. The album opens with Airborne, instantly setting the mood with a bombastic outburst of drums before Becky Black sets her guitar to stun whilst unleashing her melodic yet passionate yelp creating a stunning sound that nods and winks at grunge, punk and raw animalistic rock, whilst the melodic middle section showcases a previously submerged pop sensibility. Big Shot continues in much the same rich vein, swirling loud crunchy guitars combine with hard hitting drums to create a contagious rowdy take on clatter pop whilst the band weave a memorable vocal hook into the proceedings, urging repeat spins. Creepin' Jenny is based around a nagging yet infectious down-tuned riff, rudimentary stomping beat and an attitude fuelled, Jennifer Herrara (Royal Trux) like vocal, The Water features a repetitive yet instantly memorable riff whilst the verses hint at a bewitching dark psychedelic (Banshees) influence before a punchy chorus kicks in. Stalking Is Normal is an updated take on the blues with a ragged guitar throb, impressive stick work and a wordless backing vocal hook that all combine to create a glorious yet suitably spiky groove. Whilst Loser once again showcases a grungy influence with a quiet-loud-quiet dynamic where Pack A.D. are both at their melodic and raucous best in a sub four minute slab. The album closes on another highlight and the band's most melodic, understated moment, Needles, which strips the sound back to a lone delicate guitar and vocals, proving that the band are more than capable of restraint when there's a call for it, finishing the disc in a captivating, yet completely unexpected manner. Do Not Engage is primal alternative rock at it's very best, Pack A.D. weld hooks, spiky riffs, over driven guitars and clattering beats to create a thrilling, (pardon the pun) engaging album dragged straight out the garage for your pleasure. Rhythm & Booze Rating 9 www.thepackad.com  

Since the formation of The Pack A.D. by Canadian duo Becky Black and Maya Miller back in 2006 the band have performed across the world with everyone from The Artic Monkeys to Cage The Elephant picking up numerous plaudits along the way. In the past the band have been compared to everyone from The White Stripes and the Black Keys to Babes In Toyland and The Stooges (I'd add The Pixies and Royal Trux to that mix), what most reviewers can agree on is their raw feral sound is something to behold. On the band's latest album Do Not Engage the duo once again bombard ears with a glorious mix of hard hitting beats, fuzzy garage rock riffs and more hooks than most bands manage in a lifetime. The album opens with Airborne, instantly setting the mood with a bombastic outburst of drums before Becky Black sets her guitar to stun whilst unleashing her melodic yet passionate yelp creating a stunning sound that nods and winks at grunge, punk and raw animalistic rock, whilst the melodic middle section showcases a previously submerged pop sensibility. Big Shot continues in much the same rich vein, swirling loud crunchy guitars combine with hard hitting drums to create a contagious rowdy take on clatter pop whilst the band weave a memorable vocal hook into the proceedings, urging repeat spins. Creepin' Jenny is based around a nagging yet infectious down-tuned riff, rudimentary stomping beat and an attitude fuelled, Jennifer Herrara (Royal Trux) like vocal, The Water features a repetitive yet instantly memorable riff whilst the verses hint at a bewitching dark psychedelic (Banshees) influence before a punchy chorus kicks in. Stalking Is Normal is an updated take on the blues with a ragged guitar throb, impressive stick work and a wordless backing vocal hook that all combine to create a glorious yet suitably spiky groove. Whilst Loser once again showcases a grungy influence with a quiet-loud-quiet dynamic where Pack A.D. are both at their melodic and raucous best in a sub four minute slab. The album closes on another highlight and the band's most melodic, understated moment, Needles, which strips the sound back to a lone delicate guitar and vocals, proving that the band are more than capable of restraint when there's a call for it, finishing the disc in a captivating, yet completely unexpected manner. Do Not Engage is primal alternative rock at it's very best, Pack A.D. weld hooks, spiky riffs, over driven guitars and clattering beats to create a thrilling, (pardon the pun) engaging album dragged straight out the garage for your pleasure. Rhythm & Booze Rating 9 www.thepackad.com  

The Pack A.D. - "Rocket" - Do Not Engage (2014)

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