This is the sophomore album from Diablofurs, a follow-up to their 2020 ‘Neon Satellites’. A continuation of the Pop/Punk theme, which lead man Robert Vincent could write a best selling book about. Robert and his brother Lee were together in BIRDLAND from 1988 to 1993, reaching number 1 in the indie charts with the single ‘Hollow Heart’. To say it was a colourful and adventurous period for Rob ‘Furs’ Vincent, would be a massive understatement, his band made musical history in more ways than one. Ahead of their time and with an edgy New York style Punk, they were up there with the best, but sadly fell apart after problems with management and internal arguments that caused them to implode.
Fast forward to 2015 and the creation of ‘Diablofurs’, who have developed the sound of those early Punk days and dragged them into the 21st century. Rob and his four female bandmates, write both dynamic and soothing melodies with harmonies and unorthodox pop eccentricity. This new album of ten tracks, ‘Welcome To The City Of Fun’, comes with an advisory note ‘The City Of Fun is a totally fictitious place, any resemblance to your city is purely coincidental’ !
A SPIDERS VIEW OF THE WORLD is one of the tracks that has the ability to get you jumping around the room. Banging with energy and containing far reaching pure and vibrant harmonies, this is an impressive start to the album. You are welcomed to the CITY OF FUN next, with more elevating lyrics. It simply hurls along with a balanced tempo and some eloquent guitar in the mix. CROCODILE enters gently, but the intro is wiped over with outbursts of heavy punk and the distinctly joyous bashing of drums. As we reach DREAM SKIES there’s an electro, keyboard effect, that takes the band on a new direction. It’s very addictive and as the track winds, I can understand why they have been likened to the ‘B52s’. GOODBYE STARS is a little darker and Rob’s vocals are quite persuasive. Less is more and it’s shadowy, sinister eeriness is pretty amazing.
The drums on MIRRORS are in the forefront, keeping the rhythm harsh, while the vocals are unleashed with more hefty and robustness. It all diminishes in the mid section when the song slowly turns and we hear placid guitar and a soft snare. I like the way it changes and how it encroaches on your mind. Like a Sharman, Rob controls with mantra like chanting until it fades into nothing. MOTOR SUNRISE is a ray of sunshine, as the title suggests, you are transported, driving down the freeway, without a care. Hints of ‘The Doors’ and that West Coast warmth collide and it’s another superb piece. SAPPHIRE is a stone that comes in many colours, but this one is definitely the deepest Blue, as drums are cushioned behind more wavering and pristine notes. I know ‘Birdland’ supported ‘Jane’s Addiction’ albeit for only one gig in 1989 ( another story ) and this one certainly reminds me of Perry Farrell and Company and why initially they were on the same bill, I just love this. Distant conversation introduces SWIM ALONE and single notes carry the tune further. Higher and more demanding vocals are dispensed without effort and the jolliness of ‘Diablofurs’ springs into action once again. VAMPIRES OF ROME brings the album to a finish. A slow build up of strings, keys and a melody of charming and perfect harmony. This coolness actually reflects the chilling world of the undead.
I was a little unsure from previous knowledge, whether I would enjoy Diablofurs. I was lost in the mire of historical anarchy, Indie Charts and US Punk. However, this is an album with no battering or outlandish behaviour, only perfect togetherness. I stepped just outside my usual zone and found this to be a totally rewarding listen.
‘‘The City Of Fun is a totally fictitious place, any resemblance to your city is purely coincidental’
HIGHLIGHTS – City Of Fun, Mirrors, Sapphire, Vampires Of Rome.
ALBUM PURCHASE – There are only 313 Copies on clear Vinyl with Orange and Purple Splatter pattern. Only the first 100 come with a CD of the full album and ticket to the City of Fun.
Purchase ‘WELCOME TO THE CITY OF FUN’ from Roughtrade Records HERE
DIABLOFURS – FACEBOOK BANDCAMP
Thanks to Chris Garland at Punk Fox Records
