Cardiff’s Boy Azooga are either a one-man band or a quartet depending on your music source. Either way, the music is what matters most. Having released 1, 2, Kung Fu! in 2018, Boy Azooga established themselves (I’m going with the group) as one of the most exciting up-and-coming bands in the UK.
On 1, 2, Kung Fu! you find an unrestricted sound that Boy Azooga themselves have been slow to put a label on. At times it’s boyish and playful; (“Loner Boogie”), while at other times it’s quite thoughtful and considerate; (“Waitin'”). The standout tracks for most people would be the singles “Face Behind Her Cigarette” and the previously mentioned “Loner Boogie”. Brim full of energy, it’s easy to see why labels stood up and took notice when these two tracks came out.
I was lucky enough to see Boy Azooga live back in May when they played Dublin’s Eastbound Festival and yes, they did kick-ass.
Throughout this album are fantastic songs such as “Losers in the Tomb”, “Jerry” and “Taxi To Your Head”. These are not fillers; they’re slices of alternative/indie magic.
Two tracks that I have a particular soft spot for are “Hangover Square” and “Sitting On The First Rock From The Sun”, the latter of which is the absolute perfect way to close out an album in my opinion. Possibly the best track on 1, 2, Kung Fu!, it fuses all that Boy Azooga are about and doesn’t do so in a rush. “Hangover Square” on the other hand is a favourite because I love the book. The story is beautifully summarised here while remaining sympathetic of poor old George.
If you’re a follower of reclessreviews you’ve probably come across Boy Azooga already. However, if this is your first head’s up on one of Cardiff’s best, I highly advise you keep on their toes!
G.M
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