THE VON DRATS Dratsylvania CD

THE VON DRATS
Dratsylvania CD
Stereo Dynamite 2010

This is a Toronto based surf ’n’ garagepunk combo that’s known for it’s wild and crazy live shows incorporating elaborate costumes, crazy dances, guest MC’s like The Wolfman and a go-go dancer or 2 making for a ton of fun every time I’ve seen them. It’s tough to re-create that wild live show into audio without the visuals but this combo is so tight and full of energy that they do a pretty close approximation on this one. Lots of surf instros with occasional monster noises tossed in, combined with a coupla killer vocal numbers (Torso Alley and Catch Fire) make for a debut longplayer that makes me want to see this band play live again real soon! (Dave O’Halloran)

THIS REVIEW ORIGINALLY RAN IN MONGREL ZINE #9. BUY IT HERE

THE VON DRATS So Long Stinktown!!/Instant Soup-Just Add Soup 7”

THE VON DRATS
So Long Stinktown!!/Instant Soup-Just Add Soup 7”
Boppa Do Down Records 2008
www.vondrats.com

First release on the brand new all vinyl record label outta Toronto, Boppa Do Down Records, and a fine debut it is. Double sider of guitar and organ instros that sound like it came from one of those compilations of lost ‘60s surf gems. Evil sounds abound on this one as the reverb gets cranked past 11 and you can almost feel the roar of the hot rods with their roof mounted surfboards go racing by in the hot summer air. (Dave O’Halloran) [Hey! If yer into the Von Drats check out Sparrow Guitars’ Von Drat surf guitar at sparrowguitars.com. It’s the newest addition to Sparrow’s retro guitars like the Big Daddy, Primitive, Rat Rod, and Twangmaster models! -- Janelle]

THIS REVIEW ORIGINALLY RAN IN MONGREL ZINE #5. BUY IT HERE