Album Review: Atlantean Night Tourists

After first hearing of Bing Turkby years ago back in good old NZ, I already knew him to be a talented multi-instrumentalist and with such an eccentric album title I was very interested to hear what this record had to offer.  

Released on 1st December 2016, Atlantean Night Tourists features Bing Turkby (guitar, vocals, trombone, sax, tenor banjo, accordion), Tyrone T. Blowhard (sax), Slapskins McBOOOm (drums), and Ajax MacDeth (bass and backing vocals). The album was recorded at The Stomach and T-Tone Studio B For B in Palmerston North. Engineering duties were undertaken by Nigel Mauchline and Bing Turkby with mastering also done by Nigel Mauchline.

The whole record has a blues rock vibe and in places delves into country, early 90s psychedelic rock, and the horn sections lend an occasional ska/dub feel. The overall vibe reminds me of softer version of early 90’s American comedy rock band Green Jelly with a sprinkling of Tenacious D.

There is some interesting lyrical subject matter, a unique humour, and some catchy vocal hooks. In places there is a slightly DIY feel but this, coupled with Bing’s Kiwi accent, adds to the charm of the record. 

Some standout moments are:

– The Banjo solo in Boogaloo.
– The Right Channels‘ blazing opening guitar solo which also has moments reminiscent of the band Helmet.
– The 9 to 42 solo has mega swagger. 
– Vanquish the Necromancer has an acoustic Led Zeppelin-esque chord progression in the opening bars and some flamboyant vocals throughout. 

Difficult to pigeonhole, this record should be taken for what it is. I hope Mr Turkby continues to make more wacky records. From the lyrics in 9 to 42 I quote “I’ll just play my guitar, I’ve been alright so far”.