Death by Unga Bunga

There is never a shortage of arguments when it comes to punk music. Who started it? Where did it start? What is punk? Is punk dead? Any person you ask will have a different answer and will argue to the end of time why their opinions are right. One of the popular answers to the question of who started punk is New York 70’s band The Ramones. Known for their ridiculous haircuts, leather jackets, and self-destructive tendencies, The Ramones barged into CBGB’s, the mecca of the early New York City punk scene, with three power chords and the poetic capacity of a seven year old. They caught the attention of critics and rock fans alike, playing what they claimed to be pure rock and roll.

The Ramones were pinned as being revolutionary for reappropriating the sound and style of early 1950’s rock and roll. They took the saccharine delivery and lyrical content of that era, sped it up and added tenacious attitude to form something game-changing.

Nearly 40 years later and from halfway around the world, Norwegian rock band Death By Unga Bunga breaks ground in a similar way with their newest record You’re An Animal. Citing Ramones’ contemporaries The Stooges as inspiration, Death By Unga Bunga play with texture by mixing gritty and psychedelic tones with 50’s and 60’s pop. You’re An Animal is not too far off from the current trends in indie-rock, which are primarily focused on retro influences, but ditches the moody hipster attitude for something brighter. The record radiates positivity, a tribute to the sunshine sounds of the 60’s that can be heard in everything from the lyrics, guitar parts and production style. The juxtaposition of this approach with the punk-tinged musicality is You’re An Animal’s trademark.

Without being too sporadic, You’re An Animal investigates different nooks and cranies of Death By Unga Bunga’s sound thoroughly, while remaining cohesive. The lead track “Stare At the Sun” is exemplary of the aim of the record, as any good opening track should be. “Stare At The Sun” is dog-eared by the dreamy surf-pop chorus and contrasting classic rock guitar on the bridge. The subtle synth in the background of the track adds fullness to the song, as well as contributes to the overall airy tone consistent throughout the record.

The following track “Lessons Learned The Hard Way” is stylistically similar, but leans more towards the punk end of the spectrum, the length of the song only reaching 2:35. The track’s lyrics are simple and focused on new love with nothing overtly romantic: “They say that love makes you blind/ with you I can’t see anything/ There’s just so many things I don’t understand/ all of a sudden she grabbed my hand/ Lessons learned the hard way.” “Lessons Learned The Hard Way” is a traditional punk love song that begs comparison to “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend.” The lyrics are written in this minimalistic style for the majority of the record, a choice that helps establish the carefree vibe of the record.

You’re An Animal is mainly a high-energy effort, but highly benefits from the more low-keys tracks tucked into the record. “Tambourine” is an understated song, vocally driven with distinctly 60’s style harmonies and simple, yet standout guitar parts. The record’s ballad “I’m Not The One” is so referential of the Beatles that it verges on imitation. It falls well within Death By Unga Bunga’s projected sound and style, but almost feels like it was made using Beatles’ samples. However, the song is well postured on You’re An Animal, positioned two songs before the end of the record, giving sufficient time for a rise in energy and an end on a high note, “Abba.” The final track is a thrashing rock number, complete with a synth filled verse, a soaring guitar solo and group vocals on the chorus belting “Oh, come to me girl/ Baby, turn on your love light.” Like “Stare At The Sun,” “Abba” completely envelops Death By Unga Bunga’s sound. It is the culmination of all the elements that work together throughout You’re An Animal, bringing the album full circle.

Albums like You’re An Animal, records that are filled with rich and diverse influences, are always ultimately bogged down by linguistics: “Death by Unga Bunga is modern punk!” “No, they’re retro-indie-surf-rock!” “No, they’re totally psychedelic!” The ultimate challenge after listening to You’re An Animal would be not to try and qualify it with an inane label because it does not embody any singular genre. - Buzz And Howl