Johnny Kowalski and The Sexy Weirdos – ‘Kill The Beast’

Johnny Kowalski and The Sexy Weridos – Birmingham, England, United Kingdom.

‘Like taking a mains wired blender to the last fifty years of Rock and Roll music history and daring it to dangle it’s dangley bits in.’

Imagine circus bears finally breaking free from captivity and going on a rampage, killing off their masters and drinking homebrew inbetween the casual tearing of limbs and throwing of top hats, all whilst a small pug dog sits there blank-faced. Imagine all that to a Gyspy and Balkan–Folk-infused Ska and Reggae beat, rounded off with a Punk-Rock ‘n’ Roll un-sensibility.

THEN, imagine it playing loud round a campfire or BBQ whilst you laugh at those whom are convinced they’re being chased by giant clothes pegs because they’re tripping on LSD. Imagined all that? Then you’ve got Johnny Kowalski and The Sexy Weirdos.

Oh, and imagine all of this happening in Birmingham. Mind blown.

I wanted to go into some detail with this one, maybe a few track-by-track styled responses, but the more I listened to it, the more that plan changed.

In layman’s terms, it’s a very versatile release from a very versatile band. Now, that as a statement makes as much sense as it doesn’t, as I could see this band on a variety of bills accompanying a variety of genres; Punk, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Funk, Ska, Balkan… you name it. Although as much as it could easily fit the bills and sounds of the aforementioned, the Gypsy/Balkan-Rock elements of the band are well laced over the top.

‘Question The Answer’ is a Punk-Rock song. It’s simple as that really. It may not be buzz-saw guitars, powerful drums and power chords – although stylistic Punk-isms can be heard – but with it’s lyrics and simple message projection, it really caught my attention.

It’s tracks like this that have prompted me to list stalwarts such as Gorgol Bordello and The Clash, and then lesser known bands such as Addictive Philosophy to complete that whole, ‘For fans of…’ lark.

‘Hey friend please hear what I’m saying to you, All I’m looking for is a change of view. Why should truth be a privilege of the chosen few?  Realise, criticise, there’s so much to do…’

Speaking of The Clash, if you’re a fan of their world music album Sandinista, get a load of these sexy weirdos. Johnny Kowalski’s vocals carry a certain air of Mr. Strummer and Mr. Jones about them.

In need of some Ska? Some 2-Tone? Well ‘Tequila Song’ has your back, and with its up-tempo latter sections,’Raggle-Taggle Gyspy’ isn’t far behind.

I can literally imagine this band playing any kind of gig or festival. Their past tours and exploits covered a huge amount of ground; five European tours through France, Belgium, Slovenia, Germany and the Czech Republic. Spots at Boomtown, Y Not and Boardmasters festivals, as well as shows at Hootenany Brixton, Brixton Jam and various other dates and venues all over the United Kingdom.

Wherever and whatever they do, crowd-movement is pre-determined. Particularly I imagine, to this one:

If you’re new to the band, I thoroughly recommend you have a listen to their debut from 2012, Victory For Monsters, it is a must listen. Don’t forget this release though, it is the focal point of this review… that, and my worrying imagination.

Anyway, time to nullify the tedium known as my prose and get the important bits down. The following direct links are what you need to get sexy and be a werido with almost no fetishes in sight:

• Facebook, Twitter and their Official Website for social updates and general information and exploits.
• For music videos, head over to the band’s Youtube Channel.
• And for listening and to download or purchase a hard copy of this release, then head over to bandcamp where the band’s other releases are also available.

Remember to #StayFresh and to play us out, here’s your new drinking song. Here’s to album #3: