From the fuzzy Alt Rock and early Foo Fighters vibe of “Vienna,” German rockers Birds View’s second album House of Commando (Drakkar Entertainment) starts as it means to go on. Influenced by ‘90s alternative rock acts such as the aforementioned Foos, Soundgarden, and Queens of the Stone Age, HOC is primed with propulsive, straight-to-the-point songs that do not outstay their welcome. 

Short, sweet, and snappy neatly summarises the German quartet’s sophomore release. Single “Pin Drop” is a great taster for the record, it is an energetic earworm with fuzzy guitars and a restless beat that wraps up in under three minutes.  As is the following track “Stay Down,” with its rumbling bass, shotgun blast hooks, and appropriate use of the classic tropes; the quiet then loud dynamic. Most of the tracks here flirt with the three-minute mark, they get to the point and get gone – the raucous “Circus” with its perky, Queens of the Stone Age-style guitar is another such number. 

This record combines a Punk-like simplicity with a retro Alt-Rock and Grunge sound to good effect – and the concise nature of the tracks amplifies these charms. The loud chords and uncomplicatedly catchy chorus of “White Barriers” brings with it the whiff of ‘90s nostalgia. The lively ‘Come Back Home’ is the shortest track and sharpest, with its effervescent melody and primal chant of a chorus. 

It’s not all nineties flavoured, no mucking about, rock n roll – “Colorblind” is calming and mostly acoustic, with a soothing Southern Rock-esque solo – and is a refreshing change of pace. They even try their hand at metal in the shape of “More To Come”, although it’s heaviness and harsh vocals stick out like a sore thumb and it does not stick long in the memory. 

House of Commando is a good album of nineties-influenced, no-nonsense, alternative rock that sounds better turned up loud. 

Buy the album here:
https://birdsview.bfan.link/house-of-commando 

7 / 10
THOMAS THROWER
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