Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Funky rock music a la Red Hot Chilli Peppers is the Channelsurfers' bag and this second album builds on the success of the first, but this time around they have a new singer less inclined towards James Brown impressions! Consequently, this is a more polished effort although their main influence is still worn on the sleeve. But then I am sucker for funky guitar riffs and a little bit of elastic in the bass and drums department to prevent this band being just another plodding rock effort. So what grabbed the Rimmer attention? Aside from the hilarious lyrics, "Beach Bums" sounds like something Trapeze might have done in the '70s. "Here We Go" is a chunky opening to the album but with a kiddy chorus stolen from the Chilli Peppers' "Aeroplane" but we'll forgive them! "Where I Wanna Be" takes an excellent groove and glides along whilst "Cheese Review" is written in response to a critical pan­ning the band received. For a little variation, the loops and riffs of "Look Inside" and the huge catchy chorus make the song one of the album's standout cuts. The band's blend of rock and funk hits a fresh phase on "Along For The Ride", and I'm happy to see them returning to the best song on their debut with "More Lonely Guys", which is just an excuse for a solid workout. Whatever you do, don't miss the bonus tracks which include an absolutely hilarious take-off of heavy metal!!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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