The Branco Heist are a shining example of what tenacity, bravery and a big pair of balls can do.
Consisting of Christan Slawinski, Ross Hampton and Al McHardy, Branco are named after a monkey who lives in London zoo.
Formed in 2006, they’ve been self-funding trips around the UK and Europe to get their music out there. Without record company cash or contacts they’re driven solely by their love of music and to live their dream of being in a rock band. Taking the management on themselves, and responding to the online frenzy musicians now face, they’ve produced a modern rock album to be proud of.
Money Make Noise
Monkey Make Noise is no shrinking violet, but don’t let the rock genre put you off. Opening track ‘Zombiez’ storms straight in with some amazing guitar work; instantly igniting excitement and whetting the appetite for the album. The first half is actually some very romantic rock. Descriptive lyrics about big blue eyes, love being the answer and forever after juxtapose wonderfully over heavy guitars.
When they take their rose tinted glasses off they touch on some more serious subjects. In ‘Classless Clown’ they proclaim “Yeah you wasted it / yeah you did jack shit / there’s no substance in your own existence”. And in ‘Yesterday’s Girl’ they warn about the perils of fame: “Now you’re wrapping up chips / you’re not so hip and you kinda slipped out of limelight”.
They’ve managed to go back to their roots but produce something new and so relevant. Lyrics such as “It’s Sunday morning and I’m half cut / I got to steady myself before the morning starts to rust”, show how in touch they are. The second half of the album eases on the guitar but always maintaining the essence of rock and roll. This record has a great mix of themes; booze, love, money and even oral hygiene! Lead single ‘Squeeze My Toothpaste Tight’ is a slow burner that builds and builds without losing pace.
You’d think that not having the backing of a record company would hinder the record; on the contrary it reflects the rawness perfectly. Alex Turner proved that rock and roll can gurn and slur and still be fucking cool.
8/10 – It’s not over-produced, over-exerted and shouldn’t be under played. This is a great record proving that rock and roll definitely isn’t dead.
You can catch Branco Heist tonight at Borderline – click here for details.
