Album review: DEATH BY UNGA BUNGA – So Far, So Good, So Cool

April 9th, 2018 by jason

Jansen [Release date 06.04.18]

I reviewed Norway’s Death By Unga Bunga’s last album ‘Pineapple Pizza’ back in 2016, which was an enjoyable mix of Cheap Trick meets garage rock. Now on the band’s fifth album they bounce back with another set of insanely catchy tunes. Last year they did their first US headline tour and supported Stiff Little Fingers on that band’s 40th anniversary tour, all good exposure for Death By Unga Bunga’s music, which is perfect for the US.

On ‘So Far, So Good, So Cool’ the stand out song is ‘So Cool’, which sounds a little like the Biters and as the Biters love a bit of T. Rex, similarly Death By Unga Bunga love a bit of those classic Thin Lizzy dual guitar harmonies.

Those after Cheap Trick-approved power pop look no further than ‘Solder’ and ‘Cynical’, both blast out of your speakers and demand your attention, whilst ‘Boys’ ploughs a punk pop furrow beloved of bands like Fountains Of Wayne and Blink 182.

The two interlude tracks are not really needed, although ‘Internet’ mentions synthesisers which kick in with a classy 80′s New Wave sound on the aforementioned ‘So Cool’.

Lovers of power pop and punk pop will love Death By Unga Bunga who keep on hitting the sweet spot melody wise. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)