Gizmos Albums

What The Critics Say

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Gulcher Records label president Bob Richert the legacy of the Gizmos continues into the new millennium, and though there are only seven tracks on this platter -- 17:46 worth of music -- it's still a fun little romp with the garagey guitars of Tim Carroll and vocalist/guitarist Dale Lawrence leading the way. Picture the Flamin' Groovies cooling down after a bender in, perhaps, a very mellow mood but still wanting to rock out. There's definitely something on this "Son of Gizmos" latter-day-band project as evidenced by the Merry Go Round influenced "Hard Hoboken Line" with its catchy guitar riff and charming irreverence. Lawrence's vocals have that pop/underground vibe without getting Sid Vicious at all, so this premiere punk band with no original members had transitioned itself in better fashion than the many quasi-Grass Roots (minus Rob Grill ) which traversed the country after the fact with absolutely no original members and no personality whatsoever. This foursome has personality and is the logical extension of what came before, kind of like some of the intriguing versions of the Drifters which kept their lineage intact. The title track is available elsewhere, most notably on a sampler entitled Red Snerts: The Sound of Gulcher. The other material appears to be unreleased with "Biscuits & Gravy" and "My Baby Loves Crime" two standouts -- along with the aforementioned "Hard Hoboken Line." The seven songs are sharp, short, sweet, and very listenable. ~ Joe Viglione, All Music Guide