Anytime The Exbats (Bisbee, Arizona) put out a new record, I mark it on my calendar with a cascade of exclamation marks. Their music perfectly aligns with my musical taste.
The Exbats are like Ramones in reverse. If the Ramones drew insipration from Phil Spector and bubblegum music, The Exbats sound more like a sixties act of Phil Spector that stumbled on some early punk compilations, and they took that excitement to the studio.
The latest Exbats LP is aptly titled Song Machine. The title makes sense. Give the band some coins and they will churn out some hits. No duds, satisfaction guaranteed. With each successive record, The Exbats appear to evolve towards a more pop-oriented sound, creating timeless pop pieces, with a punk heart that simmers just beneath the surface. “ABBA ABBA, HEY” indeed!
The Exbats’ continuous improvement is astonishing. Songs like Riding With Paul, Like it Like I Do and the proto r’n’r anthem You Get My Heart Hot would have been massive hits five or six decades ago and there is absolutely zero reason why they shouldn’t be chart-toppers today. I sure hope you saved some space on your bet of 2023 lists, because The Exbats are not just knockin’ at your door, they will enter without your permission.
Song Machine is out now at Goner Records.
Add to wantlist: Bandcamp || Goner Records