Gonzo rock’n’roll outfit Tankus the Henge release their third studio release, Luna Park! An album of fearless, outrageous rock'n'roll, Luna Park! at once brings to mind Blur and the Blockheads, Motown to Madness, with flashes of glam-rock, gospel, psych, jazz-fusion and more...

Luna Park! is an album that takes a little time to appreciate. On the first play through, I wasn't overly impressed. It seemed to tread in the footsteps of other acts a little too often. But as I listened to it again and again it became infectious and hard to put aside.

Of the album's 12 songs (49 min, 19 sec) 'Fayaway' could so easily be a Huey Lewis and the News song. 'Susie Sidewinder' has a feel of 'I Wan'na Be like You (The Monkey Song)' from Disney's The Jungle Book (1967). And 'Sundance Kid' channels the spirit of Ian Dury and the Blockheads.

The main highlight for me is that from track to track it's impossible to pigeonhole the band. While here are elements of jazz, this is at heart a good old rock album, closing with the quirky, yet catchy 'Staying On This Side Of The Dirt'.

A fun, upbeat album that will get under your skin.

8

Nick Smithson