Album Review: Information Ape

Scott Armstrong (vocals, rhythm guitar), Mark Armstrong (vocals, lead guitar), Blake Gibson (vocals, bass guitar) and Zane Greig (vocals, drums) are collectively  TheSlacks, Taranaki’s answer to the question “What do you reckon a cross between Johnny Cash and Sublime would sound like?” Information Ape is their new album, their third after 2003’s Suppressed Inventions and 2014’s Welcome To The Rolling Vibe, and they’re embarking on a 4-date tour to coincide with New Zealand Music Month to support it, their mums think they play Folk-Rock, they themselves think they play Country-Ska, but apparently they actually play Adult Contemporary Pop… I think everyone is correct, here. They also cite Neil Young and The Kinks as strong influences, and there’s definitely a strong 60’s influence infusing many of the album’s 11 tracks.

The title track is up first, a playful honky-tonk rhythm blossoming into a chorus that could have come straight from a Beatles album, a fun, positive, upbeat song. Friends Sit And Talk continues in the folk-rock vein, big beautiful vocal harmonies and a sweet hooky chorus, just what you need. Next up, Old King Young is a soft acoustic ballad, with a beautiful high harmony complimenting the soulful and warm, raw and passionate vocals. Crystal Mountain High is another gorgeous folky tune, with delicious melodies weaving through the rhythmic goodness, a joyful celebratory song. By contrast, Yesterday’s Paper is more laid back, and slightly melancholic. There’s a superb trumpet solo, and I’m reminded of the Beatles again (in the best possible way) with the vocal harmonies.

The title of the next one is Here It Comes, and oh yes it does. A fuzzed-out guitar brays a riff for the ages, kicking off a hugely anthemic feel, with suitably esoteric lyrics, and a fiercely brash guitar solo. 

A sound like a vinyl record spinning up to speed brings in Love To Go, a cutely twee intro, a lilting and dream-like love song explodes into a huge guitar moment, only to fold sweetly back in on itself. More fast-paced, When You Find Me is a highly boogie-friendly rocker with groove for days, and a fantastic guitar solo outro. 

A swinging fiddle intro to a high-energy country fueled rocker is what awaits with Pinecone Flue Open, with deliciously twangin’ guitar to boot. Mrs Manic, however, is almost punk in its delivery, a good ol’ belter of a rock & roll tune. I felt I heard hints of Bowie in this one, I reckon he’d have been stoked to have written this, and it’s my favourite track on the album.

Finally, No Reason To Love is an almost Pink Floyd-like hymn, sweet and poignant, a masterful blend of sadness and hope, and a fitting end to this excellent album.

It’s clear that TheSlacks have been honing their considerable skills for some time… long may it last.