Ipanema - Me Me Me (Boss Tuneage Records) By Nick Quantrill

Me Me Me is the debut mini-album from Hampshire based punk-rockers, Ipanema. Without falling wholly into the punk or rock camp, Ipanema are hammering out guitar heavy tunes that rock with the best of them, whilst still retaining an infectiously fresh melodic approach. The welding together of big guitar riffs with harmonies and up-lifting choruses maybe isn't that surprising given the history of the band.

Formed from the remnants of the much under-rated Mega City Four, the sensitive lyrical capabilities of Wiz are once again to the fore. After refining an easy on the ear brash guitar pop approach, the end was swift in coming for the band when they failed to make an altogether heavier sound on their final release Soulscraper gel into something of genuine substance.

Me Me Me is a positive step towards righting that situation and kicks off in fine style with Nervousa and Whitecat In A Snowstorm. Sounding somewhat like the Foo Fighters wrestling with a more powerful sounding Green Day, these two tracks demonstrate how great the band can be and together they mark an impressive opening statement of intent.

With anthemic choruses and excellent lyrics set to driving rhythms and powerful arrangements, it promises to be a very special record. However, this level of song-writing isn't maintained as Lockjaw sees the band begin to flirt dangerously with a rather bloated and excessive rock sound that rather over stays its welcome. Thankfully, the closing track, Attrition confirms that the earlier successes were no flukes. With its powerful riff and pounding rhythm section, it is a heavy hitting number that rounds off the release in a more than satisfactory style.

Although this is not the great release that the opening tracks indicate it might well be, there is still much here to commend it to old and new fans alike. While the sound retains enough elements to appeal to the many fans of Mega City Four, the sound is fresh enough to appeal to a wider range of music listeners. Hopefully, Ipanema will offer greater consistency on future releases and continue to unlock their undoubted potential. www.ipanemarock.com www.myspace.com/ipanemarock www.bosstuneage.com

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