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

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

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)