Single Review: Undress for Success

One of Christchurch’s (possibly the only) most notorious sexiest bearded quartets Sex Beard have just released their follow up single to Hauraki Radio’s Anthem Wakachangi Baby entitled Undress for Success. A song that is perfect for busting out your hip swinging moves, drinking a beer, rocking out and singing loud.

The song begins straight out of the gate, with a dirty punk and roll guitar riff which reminds me of Swedish rockers The Hives with a splash of The Datsuns, punchy and cleanly distorted, the lead guitar ascends up the scales adding melodic harmony to the main guitar line. Lead vocalist and guitarist Mark Simons vocals instantly pull you in, he has a storyteller approach with the way his vocal lines flow, accentuating certain words and passages. His vocal boogie gives me the feels of the great Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott and homegrown legend Booga Beazley of HLAH, he has control over his voice that can scream right out at you and then pull back in an instant.

The chorus is short and simple but creates impact, people can instantly recognize and sing along “Let’s get you undressed, undress for success”. The band then returns to what is ultimately the main guitar feature of the song, the hooky and groovy riff (as first heard in the intro) which naturally flows perfectly between the chorus and into the second verse, simple and effective.

The rhythm section of drummer Phil McKellow and bassist Sam Taylor while not dominating the song individually, provide their part by keeping the flow and steady rhythm needed for Simons’ vocals to preach and shine and the guitars to flourish. I liked the addition of the gang vocals in the beginning of the bridge, that added layer really beefs up the song, making it anthemic and perfect for a live setting where people can raise their glasses and sing along.

The guitar solo plays throughout the bridge, with a combination of a tidy and popping lead licks and bends, it also carries the songs main melody. Confident and not overplaying, Casey McKay’s solo then carries over into the final section of the song brilliantly before the band end where they began with the hooky guitar riff. The half time breakdowns with the down stroke guitar also add an extra bit of flavour to the rhythm of the song and I love the vocal screams, they are just super fun and add the extra thrill to the party vibe.

Coming in just under three minutes, Sex Beard have delivered a rock and roll party banger, sure to get the heads bopping, the feet moving and the beers flowing. Be sure to catch them on their upcoming single release shows in Christchurch and Auckland!