BACKYARD BABIES – Sliver And Gold (2019)

For thirty years, BACKYARD BABIES has delivered top of the line rock ‘n’ roll, both live and recorded. The fact that the original four guys that started the band still are playing together, is next to unique. The new album “Sliver & Gold” was recorded in the classic Park Studios (also known as the “Psych Bunker”) and produced by the legendary Chips Kiesbye.
Fittingly, the first single from the album – ”Shovin’ Rocks” – is about “30 years of rock’n’roll”.

Indeed, there’s an exultant shout of “Rock N Roll!” before the thought that “I’ve been shoving rock n roll for 30 years…..” appears. The names, you see, never changed. The same four guys, a brotherhood, a gang if you like, and the same sound, sort of, that they’ve had since they re-emerged in 1998.
These Swedes are one of the most consistent rock bands of our time: a perfect balance between sleazy, all-out party rock ‘n’ roll on the one hand, and decidedly mature, thoroughly melancholic tunes on the other.

“Good Morning Midnight” throbs its way to an opener, and when the drums kick in, it could only be them, and really, who embodies rock n’ roll better? It’s a catchy sing-a-long smasher, like the aforementioned “Shovin’ Rocks”, the anthemic “Bad Seeds” or “44 Undead”.
All will have you fist-pumping and foot stompin’ all day.

“Simple Being Sold” seems to be an attack on modern consumerism, while “Ragged Flag” adds something of a funky guitar lick to the usual punky flavor. “Yes To All No” fools you into thinking it’s a ballad, before building up to a chorus that sticks around, and if “Bad Seeds” is more like the norm, then it still the work of men with a total mastery of their craft.

Later, “A Day Late In My Dollar Shorts” has a real taste of something Michael Monroe might do.
The way the album finishes, though, is interesting. Where everything else has been short and sharp and as rock n roll as Lemmy’s denim jacket, “Laugh Now Cry Later” is a piano led ballad, and it is properly reflective.

According to BACKYARD BABIES guitarist Dregen (real name: Andreas Tyrone Svensson), the “Sliver and Gold” title is a play on words. “It is going to be a bit like if you cut yourself with a piece of sliver.” “It’s a bit like our career. It’s been golden moments, but it’s also been kind of rough times”.
Well, listening to “Sliver & Gold”, 2019 should be a golden one. These ‘babies’ sound more vital, energetic and fresh than a band of their vintage has a right to.
Highly Recommended

01. Good Morning Midnight
02. Simple Being Sold
03. Shovin‘ Rocks
04. Ragged Flag
05. Yes To All No
06. Bad Seeds
07. 44 Undead
08. Sliver And Gold
09. A Day Late In My Dollar Shorts
10. Laugh Now Cry Later

Nicke Borg – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Dregen – lead guitar, backing vocals
Johan Blomqvist – bass
Peder Carlsson – drums, percussion

Pre Order:
www.amazon.co.uk/Sliver-Gold-Backyard-Babies/dp/B07KZ5NT9X
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