As is often the case we’re playing catch-up with so many reviews, but we had to let you know about Bokassa on the off-chance you weren’t one of the thousands that saw them opening for some bunch of eldsters from the Bay Area recently. Apparently Bokassa are Lars Ulrich’s favourite band right now (I assume he has shares in their merch sales), but do they justify that accolade outside of the Danish drummer’s household?
On the strength of Crimson Riders I’d have to say “yes”. Opening with a dark and heavy intro, perfect for a band walking on stage, the first track proper is “Charmed & Extremely Treacherous” and it hits like a bunch of bricks being fired out of a very large shotgun. Frenetic, multi-layered, melodic and catchy it’s like Kvelertak only better (and I’d not say that I dislike Kvelertak). “Vultures” adds more groove, showing that they’re not just a one-trick pony.
In fact, the difference between these first two songs is pretty huge. As such it’s hard to peg them down to a particular sound. Hell, “Vultures” has a saxophone (I think) in there, for crying out loud. If I was to try and sum it up – and that’s kind of why I’m here – I’d go for “rhythmic, heavy and occasionally bouncy with sing along choruses”.
The title track demonstrates that they’re as happy chucking about a bit of slow, trippy melody as they are rattling your braincase, then we’re back into “wo-oah” territory as “Captain Cold One” namechecks artists from Nickelback to Trivium via P!nk through its simple, headbanging riffage. Probably the most accessible and earworm-y track on the album.
Production on the album is good, too, and I think one of the reasons it comes over so well. It’s powerful and meaty without losing any clarity or going mushy. Should you give it a go? Yes. Definitely. It’s heavy but not inaccessibly so; catchy without losing its metal cred.
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