Boots Electric - HonkeyKong

Mon 10th Oct, 2011 in Music Reviews

Jesse Hughes, best known as the main man in Eagles Of Death Metal, exudes personality. The presence he brings to his records has helped him shine out ahead of his more famous band mates and become his own unique figure in the modern music landscape. Stepping out on his own for the second time, the first under the moniker Boots Electric, Honkey Kong is certainly going to surprise fans of his previous work.

Album opener Complexity sets the tone of the record straight away with its descending electric drum fill and jangling 80s synths. But while the expected buzzing guitars are long gone, the familiar EODM groove is still found in the bass, propelling the song forward and getting your hips shaking. Hughes’ confident rock ‘n’ roll caterwaul is still intact as well as his eyebrow raising sexual appetite, encouraging his listeners to “let a little skin show”.

Boots’ focus on sex is never stronger than on Boots Electric Theme where he trades lines with ex-Distiller, Brodie Dalle-Homme. Over a slinky synth line they play a dirty call and response (“I know your boyfriend”/”He don’t make my cherry pop”/”Just use your finger baby”) and you can’t help but feel like strutting.

Brodie isn’t the only of his famous friends who’ve lent a hand on the record with Money Mark and his Hughes’ EODM band mates Joey Castillo and Josh Homme making appearances. Neither of them manage to steal the thunder from Hughes however as he prowls and prances his way across the records many dance numbers.

The record is not all about sex and speed however; Hughes delves into his softer side by mixing country ballad crooning with the rest of the records electro pop sounds. He pulls this odd mix off for the most part, I Love You All The Thyme and Dreams Tonight share the rest of the albums spirit of cheesy fun, but No Ffun lives up to its name and seems to drags on longer than a two and a half song should.

Honkey Kong is a fun party record with its tongue firmly placed in cheek. The music behind him may be a little different, but for the most part Boots Electric’s sleazy charm and bouncing charisma glaze over the records duller moments leaving you with a swift and spirited listening experience.