aaamusic | On 07, May 2012

Katzenjammer, the Norwegian four-girl band, is set to release their second album on May the 7th on Propeller Records.
It’s always hard to release a new album (the second one in this case), especially for Katzenjammer, after the charming debut album “Le Pop” released in 2009; but this fantastic band, once again, hits the bull’s eye with raw energy and pure melodies.
The first track is a sort of theatrical intro and has the album title “A Kiss Before You Go”. The following track is “I Will Dance (When I Walk Away)” a song that was already available in March. This is definitely the classic tune you would expect to hear on the radio in order to introduce a “quite-new” band to the public. The third track on this album is “Cherry Pie” a stunning melody whispered and whistled by sirens and played with light-hearted instruments. The fourth track is an impressive cover of the Genesis’ hit “Land Of Confusion”, the effort made to reproduce this track is remarkable with a perfect soul-style and early 1900’s music background; one of the best cover ever made. The following song is “Lady Marlene”, a melancholic and intense waltz with great arrangements; definitely a highlight track of the album. The atmosphere suddenly changes with the next track “Rock Paper Scissors”. This hoedown, with a shade of pirate-like background, is the new single taken form the album. In a certain way less radio-friendly than “I Will Dance” (first single released) but definitely in a more Katzejammer-style. “Cocktail and Ruby Slippers” is the song number seven on the album; certainly a fast-paced song with calmer chorus and distinctive beats; a song that reminds me a bit of the track “Le Pop” on the previous album. Happy and naïve sounds are always welcome. The track number eight is “Soviet Trumpeter”; a song that left me a bit uncertain as the whole melody and carousel style of the tune sounds slightly pretentious. The main feature of the band is surely the immense ability of changing genres, sounds, tempos and styles as clearly shown in songs like “Loathsome M” and “Shepherd’s song” that bring to life the rock and country spirit of Katzenjammer. The pirate-like atmosphere reappears again in the song “Gypsy Flee” (featuring a cameo from Dweezil Zappa) while a breath taking a cappella gospel track “God’s Great Dust Storm” ends the tracklist on this album.
I can easily say that this music prodigy from Norway has confirmed and maybe exceeded the expectations with another masterpiece. An album that ranges over different genres and styles like folk, rock, pop, cabaret and urban vaudeville. A small instrument encyclopaedia from the accordion to the zither passing through banjo, mandolin, guitars, trumpet, ukulele and various percussions just to name few recorded on vinyl (and obviously cd and digital).
Those who attempted a recent show had the chance to listen to a couple of songs from “A Kiss Before You Go” before the official release, but for those who never saw the band live on a stage, I strongly recommend buying a ticket a for their next UK tour and festival dates.

Please check the band’s official website for news, tour dates and info at: www.katzenjammer.no

Also, see the video for the new single “Rock Paper Scissors” at the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqmbqnjbLco

The new album “A Kiss Before You Go” is out now on Propeller Records (Digital and CD),
available at iTunes, Amazon.co.uk and Play.com

★★★★★