Scum Boys – Vamp Attack
Rumble Records – RUMBCD008 [1991]
Coming Home – Natives Of Europe – Torro – Mystery Train – Scum Boys – Rock’N’Roll Vagabonds – Tattoo – Get A Sense – Vamp Attack – Menhir’s Rock – Josephina – Hoppela
The Scum Boys were a Franco-German group formed in the second half of the 1980s. The original lineup consisted of Markus Sansa on guitar and vocals, Marc Dirringer on double bass, and Peter Ziegenhorm on drums. They released their first 45 rpm record in 1988. The lineup changed with Damien Heitz becoming the new drummer and Frank Ziegenhorm joining on rhythm guitar. This quartet recorded “Vamp Attack” for Rumble Records in February and March 1991.
Even though “Vamp Attack” is an enjoyable album with some great moments, it sometimes struggles to impress thoroughly. The band delivers a solid dose of classic Psychobilly, from the relatively mellow “Tattoo” to the wild “Vamp Attack.” What stands out is the band’s inclination to push boundaries by incorporating songs with changing rhythms and a developed melodic aspect. The band’s best work emerges when they break free from traditional constraints. An example of this is “Mystery Train,” an original composition by the band (and not the Elvis-popularized Junior Parker cover) with a syncopated rhythm that flirts with New Wave. Additionally, The Scum Boys offer excellent instrumentals that complement the collection, such as the Spanish-tinged “Torro.”
Unfortunately, despite these qualities, the result is only partially satisfactory. The group lacks a producer, and the overall sound is somewhat weak and not always well-balanced. Furthermore, an outside perspective could have guided them, particularly in advising them to shorten certain songs that drag on, lessening their impact.
The Radioactive Kid