The Mighty Roars - 'Swine And Cockerel' (One Little Indian) Released 16/04/07

'Swine And Cockerel' is an absolute blinder of a debut album.  From the opening track and second single, ‘Sellotape’ to the frantically fantastic album closer, ‘Whipped My Bitch’, this is an album that is bursting with vitality, originality and fucking good tunes. Imagine combining the bolshy attitude of Help She Can’t Swim with all the punk rock parts of Yeah Yeah Yeahs; then throw in another ton of talent and you get somewhere near to where The Mighty Roars are at.

Album opener, ‘Sellotape’ is a brilliant introduction to what is to be expected on the album. Sounding like a much improved and more talented Hole, vocalist Lara Granqvist has a voice so full of raw energy that it compels you to listen. Supported by thrashing guitars overlaid with a brilliant solo, the track is just over 2 minutes of fervent excitement. ‘Captain’s Ship’ takes the tempo down a notch before upcoming single and kinky delight, ‘Daddy Oh’ throws in a mix of sultry vocals and banging drums.  Fifth track, ‘Kiss It’ is definitely a highlight of the album.  Bringing the tempo back up to warp speed, the thunderous drum beat, bolstered by an infectious guitar riff demands to be heard.

‘Wish Everything’ has the kind of kooky quality that would have Orange or T-Mobile gagging to use it in their ‘wacky’ adverts.  Providing a momentary chill out section in the middle of the album, Granqvist’s voice sounds beautifully innocent as she laments, “I wish everything could be so good”. But this is not a time for relaxation, as the second half of the album is launched into; starting with ‘Jude and Sienna’. Forget Romeo and Juliet, these two are the modern person’s dysfunctional couple; and the Roars’ bittersweet song provides a more atmospheric melancholic take on the difficulties of modern relationships.

While one could complain about the slightly repetitive nature of some of the track lyrics, the music itself is deliciously exciting and a breath of fresh air in a year when we are dominated by whatever dreary indie rock NME says is cool.  Ignore that bollocks; The Mighty Roars are fucking cool right now.