ALBUM REVIEW: Sliver & Gold – Backyard Babies
It’s been 30 years since Swedish rockers BACKYARD BABIES emerged to popularise “Sleaze Rock” in Scandinavia, and after seven studio albums the band are celebrating with their latest full-length effort Sliver & Gold. Sitting somewhere between hard-rock, glam, and ever so briefly pop-punk, Sliver & Gold is a foray into very familiar territory that although does feel dated, also attempts to get an aural party in full swing.
It’s very clear that BACKYARD BABIES are well versed in a winning formula that appeals to the masses. Relying on playful guitar melodies and solos to give their songs a punch, they heft their way through Sliver & Gold with speed, chugging to life with opener Good Morning Midnight that’s completely drenched in early noughties hard-rock rhythms. Annoyingly, it’s catchy as hell. In Bad Seeds, the bands penchant for writing a killer hook shines through in a chorus that leads the charge, equally matched by the poignant celebratory lyrics in Shovin’ Rocks. “I’ve been shovin’ 30 years of rock and roll” sings vocalist Nicke Borg, while the rest of the band back him up with fist-pumping excitement. It’s a highway anthem that sparks images of taking to the open road in some sort of vintage vehicle (maybe on a motorbike), bandanna clad and aviators firmly in place.
At points on Sliver & Gold the similarities to BACKYARD BABIES’ fellow rockers is uncanny. Yes To All No borrows its melody from BLUE OYSTER CULT’s (Don’t Fear) the Reaper; Ragged Flag sounds as though GEORGE MICHAEL is about to croon his way through Faith after its opening bars, while the guitar fuzz in Simple Being Sold and seesawing vocals in the albums title track could have been plucked straight from any GREEN DAY record. Nevertheless, BACKYARD BABIES take all of these elements and try to make them their own, thriving in their own sleaze and playfulness to keep the romp going.
Despite all of the up-beat riffs, there are some melancholic moments on the record. The title track plods along with a much slower pace in an attempt to show dynamism, while closer Laugh Now Cry Later is a self indulgent ballad that sees Borg crooning over a bed of acoustic guitars and piano, descending into an accordion solo with washes of echoing cymbals that hasten to create a grandiose atmosphere — without ever really hitting the sweet spot.
Sliver & Gold certainly has its place within the hard-rock musical landscape, and it’s a record that BACKYARD BABIES’ existing fan base will welcome with open arms. Embedded with a flurry of inspiration from other rock sub-genres and bands, there could be something here for everyone. It’s certainly a celebration for a band who have stood the test of time, but whether it’s enough to broaden their own sonic horizon, ironically only time can tell.
Rating: 7/10
Silver & Gold is out now via Century Media Records.
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