MARDO
The New Gun
House of Restitution Records 2006
www.mardomusic.com

Live Mardo pics

What’s the 4-1-1?
Fresno, California brothers Aron and Robert deliver their sophomore effort.

Genre
Hard rock / alternative / funk

The Good
A funky and chunky guitar riff leads the charge on “Lolita Live & Learn.” Vocalist Aron Mardo delivers some tricked-out yet melodic and soulful vocals (imagine AC/DC meets Jet). Pulsing drum beats and a thumping bass line help set the groove on “Killer on the Dance Floor.” The track has a rhythm that you can pump you fist to, as well as shake your ass to. “Bombs Over Broadway” has a great seventies-feel to it with its crunchy guitar tones and festive vocals.

It’s not hard to see where Mardo draw their influence from. Just listen to their pumped up version of “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” The track mixes classic bass and guitar sounds with the high distortion of today’s guitar rock thunder. Aron has just the right soulfulness to put this song over. Mardo break out the acoustics for “Hide the Mirrors.” The song explores the battle between vanity and substance. Listen for a great choral breakdown midway through the track. “Bang Bang (The New Gun)” explores infidelity with a fun arrangement and catchy progression. “One More Shot” solidifies that you can’t go wrong with a ‘woe ooh ooh’ song.

The Bad
Nothing!

The Verdict
The New Gun is loaded with smokin’ grooves, upbeat tempos, and fiery lyrics and vocals. If you’ve got a funky party planned, let Mardo supply the soundtrack. The New Gun is one of the most refreshing albums I’ve heard this year; modern rock with a seventies funk twist. Crank it!

Did You Know?
Mardo was spawned out of The Spies.

Rating: out of 5

--George Dionne