Swedish rockers Electric Boys had a bit of success in the late eighties and early nineties when their boisterous Funk Metal track “All Hips n’ Lips” caught the eye of MTV and their first two albums, Funk O Metal Carpet Ride and Groovus Maximus, caught the eye of the public. Things fizzled out in 1994 but they reunited fifteen years later and have been steadily releasing new material since. 

They are back with Grand Explosivos (Mighty Music) – their eighth album injects a sense of fun back into their good-time Classic Rock, which is much welcomed after the straightlaced and sombre predecessor Ups!de Down.  

Grand Explosivos is a decent serving of sunny-side-up Rock n’ Roll, whose riffs and velcro-like choruses are tailor-made to be played loud with a few beers. The opening track “When Life Treats You Funky” whets the appetite, with a funky riff and a sing-along chorus that burrows its way into your head. “Cozmic Jagger” is the catchiest thing here, with a sky-high hook and a delightful, Rolling Stones-esque strut. 

“And The Band Played On – Part 1” has a lively, foot-tapping, bar-room shuffle and is a good counterpoint to the in-your-face hard rocking of “Domestic Blitz”

They will not win any Pulitzer prizes, the usual lyrical suspects of booze, birds, love and music are all here, but the infectious swagger of the aforementioned “Cozmic Jagger” and the forceful beat of “The Great Believer” will suck you in. From the lithe, Black Star Riders like “Karma’s Gonna Get You” and the driving rock and Thin Lizzy style guitar solo of “Learjet” it is not the most original thing you will hear all year, but blast it out loud and you will have a good time. 

Those American-sounding Swedes have served up a dose of happy Classic Rock, whose catchy melodies, big riffs, and lively guitar work will get you grooving to the maximus.

Buy the album here:

https://targetshop.dk/electricboys

7 / 10 

THOMAS THROWER