You might not recognize Gregg Turner’s name, but you probably have heard of the band he helped found in the late ’70s, The Angry Samoans. The band had been staples of the LA punk scene for decades when Turner left in 1991, and he’s stayed quite busy with bands like The Mistaken and The Blood Drained Cows since.
This solo and group album sees the guitarist and singer exploring his interests in both aggressive sounds and softer music, and he’s got some excellent help with him.
Side A starts with Turner howling alongside Tom Trusnovic’s wild drumming for the rowdy rock’n’roll that flows right into rumbling bass of “Hantavirus Deer Mouse Blues.” “I Dreamed I Met Lou Reed” follows and welcomes Britt Alexander’s thumping drums to the talking of the retro climate that makes nods to The Velvet Underground.
The first half exits on the scrappy punk energy of “Pack Of Wolfs” and “Caveman,” where Russell Miller’s bass helps complement the dense and rhythmic balance of grit and melody.
The back side, and more gentle tracks, leads with the bouncy and scrappy “Someone Took My Home Away,” which invites Billy Bill Miller’s electric autoharp, but it’s the smooth and rhythmic “A Request For Closeness” that really makes this portion worth the price of admission.
Deeper still, “Franz Kafka” places Phineas Luke on lead guitar alongside a bit of jangle and cozy backing vocals, and “Big Green Eyes,” a recent tune, exits with just Turner’s voice and acoustic guitar for the dreamy and intimate finish.
Somewhat of a “Best Of” of Turner’s work spanning 1987 through 2023, five of these tracks have never seen vinyl until now, and it serves as a great introduction to the punk rock icon.
