We’ve been following Californian garage / surf rock trio Tijuana Panthers for a long time, have their LPs in the collection, saw them perform live, and regularly mention them as an influence on new bands (recently: Toothpicks, 3LH, The Cave Arcade), so it’s exciting whether a new release lives up to its reputation. To be honest, Halfway to Eighty didn’t click with me right away. However, on second listen I really started to like the 11 new songs, at the next spin I heard hit after hit. Longtime friends Daniel Michicoff (bass, vocals), Chad Wachtel (guitar, vocals), and Phil Shaheen (drums, vocals) continue to develop themselves and their sound is a bit more mature, but they still know how to write humorous, varied and catchy tunes. The cover art may be a nod to that of The Nerves’ One Way Ticket, but think I also hear influences from from Ty Segall, Rolling Blackouts CF and maybe even The Smiths. Ultimately, Tijuana Panthers still sound as cool, unique and irresistible as Tijuana Panthers always did – we’re adding LP number 6 to our wantlist.
Halfway to Eighty is out now digitally, on CD and vinyl LP through Innovative Leisure.
Add to wantlist: Bandcamp