One gets the impression from listening to The Fireballs of Freedom that they're the type of band whose best efforts come across in a live setting. And while little can replace the live experience, "Greasy Retrospective," on the esteemed Wantage USA label, does an admirable job. The CD features previously released singles, unreleased demos and three new tracks and delivers the type of musical ass kicking these guys must put forth on stage.
The Fireballs of Freedom, who have been going strong for 10+ years play brash, punked-up rock that is heavily influenced by guitar greats such as Mudhoney and Jimi Hendrix Experience. In fact, the band's cover of Hendrix' "Ain't No Telling" does some serious justice to the original, with plenty of whiskey-drenched swagger to give it its own spin.
Additionally, "Give it a Rest (You Fuckin' Bitch)" combines the hard-edged blues of Zen Guerrilla and invokes the golden era of early Sub Pop (We're talking waaaaay pre-Shins) when loud punk-friggin-rock-and-roll was actually in vogue.
"Scream Therapy" and "Shitting Rubber Nickels" are culled from a 1997 session with Conrad Uno and are full of intense guitar action and heavy, manic drumming. And other tracks such as "Viva El Gato" and "Vonferno" are rambunctious rock and roll mini-epics that are reminiscent of The Riverboat Gamblers.
Perhaps most appealing about The Fireballs of Freedom career-to-date is their unabashed love to rock the fuck out, irregardless of what musical trend is in with the folks who read shit like Pitchfork or shop at Insound. "Greasy Retrospective" is pure punk rock and roll meant to be played loudly and proudly.
MP3: Fireballs of Freedom - "Ain't No Tellin'"
MP3: Fireballs of Freedom - "Give it a Rest (Youfuckinbitch)"
Buy "Greasy Retrospective" at wantageusa.com
Fireballs of Freedom discography at cduniverse.com
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