Tag: la chinga

This is Vancouver’s La Chinga’s latest release, their fourth album, that popped out last year in 2023. There is something so pure and powerful about a three piece that you have to wonder, if adding more just becomes a distraction.

Five years have elapsed since the release of their previous album which included a break for COVID, and they don’t seem to have mellowed any. They are still this big, dirty, retro, rockin’ groove machine, although it doesn’t quite match the awesome that was Beyond The Sky.

Highlights for me are opener Light It Up which is La Chinga at their grooving best. A big and fat nasty riff with that drivin’ groove. Also, Stars Fall with a surprise hint of melody, and of course Motorboogie which is my favourite. A psych/stoner hard rockin beast of a tune.

So, it’s not as good as Beyond The Sky, but they still have the hunger to keep it dirty and rockin’.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

Hailing from Vancouver, this BC trio of noise makers were new to me until recently when Rob at Music Madhouse Records played me a couple of tunes and I was hooked. They defo have a retro in vibe and groove but with a lot more balls. Think Led Zeppelin mixed with early Motorhead and a sprinkling of The Black Crowesmliving in an RV in deepest Louisiana.

This is the band’s third album that came out in 2018. Emphasis is on killer rockin’ tunes with a ripping groove and stacks of hooks and melody. Mama Boogie is the one that grooves the hardest. A super cool riff that swings just right and a great  trippy solo from Ben Yardley on guitar. Yup, it’s my favourite track.

However, there is so much more to enjoy about this album. Black River takes you right back to what was great about 70’s rock bands. Cool riff and a simple catchy chorus that sticks in your head. Feel It In My Bones is pure old school sleazy Aerosmith, and Warlords feels like Lemmy era Hawkwind.

If retro is your thing, then check these guys out.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.