The Handsome Scoundrels - Ooh, La La
From Mobile, Alabama, The Handsome Scoundrels dropped a new album, called Ooh, La La, not too long ago. The album is on Swamp Cabbage Records, Snubbed Records, and Outloud! Records.
The Handsome Scoundrels
Made up of Robert Giles (guitar, vocals), Michael McAuliffe (bass, vocals), and Zach Lynd (drums), the band formed in 2010 “in order to fulfill an unspeakable pact that guitarist/vocalist Robert made with bassist Michael after the housing market crash.”
The Handsome Scoundrels have performed at FEST, as well as sharing the stage with Richie Ramone, The Ataris, The Queers, The Dwarves, Guttermouth, Flatfoot 56, HR from Bad Brains, The Vibrators, The Memorials, Jacuzzi Boys, Red City, Radio, along with a bunch of others.
The band’s Facebook bio reads: “In late 2010, three retired super models began a musical journey that would eventually lead to the formation of The Handsome Scoundrels. One LP and 3 EPs later The Handsome Scoundrels are on the verge of buying a time share in Destin, Florida together. They are pretty serious.”
Not only do they have a sense of humor, but their music slaps.
Ooh, La La contains 11-tracks, starting off with “Happy Birthday, Samantha,” opening on tight muscular guitars flowing into a blasting pop-punk melody with emphasis on the punk dynamics. Slightly nasal vocals give the tune tasty skater-punk tones.
It’s a grand solo because Giles comprehends the golden rule – less is more, and doesn’t try to insert every lick he ever learned into a 15-second solo.
Highlights on the album include: “The Secret,” which opens with a slapping bass line transitioning into a driving melody full of dirty guitar riffs and sassy, slacker vocals. I love the drums on this song, potent with flashing fills. An ooh, la la guitar solo injects the harmonics with controlled searing flavors. It’s a grand solo because Giles comprehends the golden rule – less is more, and doesn’t try to insert every lick he ever learned into a 15-second solo.
The dirty guitar intro to “Ditto” packs a terrific punch, followed by seguing into a propelling rhythm riding a fat bass line. Radiant vocal harmonies imbue the lyrics with depth and resonant dimension. I love the rumbling drum sections and the simple but effective breakdown.
“Off The Map” really hits with a sonic wallop. The relentless rhythm gets your hips moving, as the two part vocals ride overhead, infusing the tune with antiphonal savors. This track slaps!
“Lost Legion” pumps out visceral pop-punk impetus reminiscent of The Offspring combined with Green Day, full of lashing energy and wailing vocal harmonies.
Frankly, there’s not a substandard track on the album. The Handsome Scoundrels definitely have a knack for ferociously tasty pop-punk.
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