The Heiz - The Gun

The Double Down Saloon's favorite Japanese band (and Squidhat Records recording artists) the Heiz just came through America once again and played the Punk Rock Bowling festival as well as a surprise show at the DD. They are always a blast live, so I got down there for their set and picked up this, their latest release.

They are continuing with their mix of Chuck Berry riffs, Ramones steals and power pop melodies for more highly entertaining tracks. "Dr. Rock'n'Roll" has plenty of early Beatles pop melodies and "oohs" while the guitars cop "Back in the USA", among others. Bassist Asako provides some sassy lead vocals for "Good Good News", "Soul Satisfaction" is a boppin' dance tune with a swingin' guitar/drum riff, they steal from the Ramones (once again) for "Taco Mambo" and "The Louder the Better", although for the latter, there is a lot more 50's r'n'r combined with the Ramones lifts. On the title track they sound almost like the MC5 on their second album and then they get over-the-top goofy for their reprise of "I'm Starving" from Salvo as "I'm Starving Now" - it's a silly bit of ska-punk that I know is popular live, but really didn't need to appear on record a second time, in my un-asked-for opinion.

They redeem themselves with a fierce punk-riff-rocker in "Excuse Me", then there's more silliness but with cool rock'n'roll backing in "Steak Steak Steak" (their drummer Kim sings the food-oriented songs), "White Cadillac" is practically a nursery rhyme, Asako comes back for the cooly rhythmic'n'rockin' "Chicken Bone" as well as a purposely overwrought vocal take on "Remember (Walking in the Sand)", which I think would have sounded better if she had done it straight, as she does have a fine voice and the backing track is nicely arranged as a stripped down rocker. Obviously influenced by Dave Edmunds, they turn his rock'n'roll adaptation of "Sabre Dance" into a high-energy punk rocker and for the closer they actually make a Bon Jovi song into something hip with "Bad Medicine" - it's actually a good song in their hands!

I love Shaku's guitar style - great tone and terrific playing - while Asako and Kim are a solidly fantastic rhythm section and their vocals are all excellent, especially Shaku's tone (again) and their harmonies are kinda amazing. They put on a helluva show, as well, so be sure to see them if they come anywhere near you and check out their three cd's in the meantime!