Album review: FREAK KITCHEN – Cooking With Pagans

November 12th, 2014 by david.wilson

Thunderstruck [Release date – 09.09.14]

When I saw the band’s name and album title I assumed it was a new Heston Blumenthal television series! It turned out that this is the second album release from Swedish rockers Freak Kitchen who describe themselves as a ‘tip top rock trio’, sounds promising.

It is clear that the band has a sense of humour which is always good to see and that translates to their music which is upbeat with hints of Queen and Extreme along with a heavier, almost grunge sounding side which is where the album kicks off.

‘Professional Help’ opens things and sounds like an outtake from the Soil back catalogue, no bad thing. Heavy and catchy in equal measure it is a good introduction to the band. Throughout the album the band run through many musical styles from a bit of Rockabilly on ‘Goody Goody’ to power metal on the track ‘Ranks Of The Terrified’. It is testament to the three musicians that they manage to pull this off with ease.

Singer and guitarist Mattias Eklundh is obviously a man who can multi-task with ease, his vocals are good but his guitar work is exceptional, think Eddie Van Halen mixed with Nuno Bettencourt and you are in the right area. Bjorn Fryklund on drums and Christer Ortefors on bass are no slouches either and they produce the perfect accompaniment to Eklundh’s fret burning.

The guys’ sense of humour also extends to song titles with ‘(Saving Up For An) Anal Bleach’ and ‘I Don’t Want To Golf’ catching the listener’s attention and lyrically the songs live up to their names. The disc though is all about the music which is impressive throughout and with so much going on it certainly holds your attention.

An interesting and enjoyable album then from a trio with talent in spades. If you like a bit of humour and variety then this will fit the bill nicely. ***1/2

Review by David Wilson

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Power Plays w/c 29 April 2024

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ATTIC THEORY The Legacy (indie)
THE HOWLERS I Need Your Love (indie)
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WILLS AND THE WILLING Scuffed Knees (Smash & Grab Music Ltd)
READY THE PRINCE Still Believe (indie)

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09:00-12:00 PRAYING MANTIS Defiance (Frontiers)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023

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