aaamusic | On 03, Dec 2013

Velcro Hooks’ ‘Tickle Me Sick’ drips with early ‘90s nostalgia, and should resound in the heads of fans of alternative rock from the era. The recurrent, dreamy ‘woo woos’ in the track conjure up a ‘summer of love’ vibe and the catchy walking bass line chugs you along; compelling you to move with it. ‘Tickle Me Sick’ incorporates rock and roll rawness whilst retaining a fanciful pop-esque bop, blending quiet moments and loud surges; held together by their signature screeching guitar.

The song features wittily clever lyrics is very well constructed; showing an organised musicianship of Velcro Hooks. The strange twists and turns in note-changing recollects a style of Pixies’ eccentricity, and this is a very admiring compliment of them. However this is perhaps too much of a flashback of bands such as the Pixies, which is fine of course, but Velcro Hooks may be missing out on the chance of modernising this style for their own gains. ‘Tickle Me Sick’ is deliciously catchy and a well-assembled track that will keep you shaking along.

★★★★★

Liam Dodd