Okie Dokie

The band is named Okie Dokie. The artwork is simple and to the point. In other words, Okie Dokie doesn’t hide the fact that they’re a dirty rock band, blending balls to the wall sleaze rock with fast, sloppy surf garage at its heart. The record is only eight songs, and whatever vinyl format it’s on (I received a promo CD), is likely longer than they needed. On further research, it’s a 10”, which seems a fitting choice.

From the first few seconds of “Bad Luck,” it’s clear by the choppy power chords and Mike Ray-Von’s slightly snotty, but mostly aggressive vocals, that the band is all about short, fast, and loud. Loud guitars rule this record, with distorted bass, and little variation between songs. “The Monad” has a hint of the Meatmen’s “Evil in a League with Satan” while, on “Icepick Kick,” Ray-Von delivers what sounds like a tongue-twister, consistently upping the speed as the song maniacally and violently pummels you and “Milk” utilizes a similar approach. On “Motorhead,” the band name-drops and honors an influence, even if it is one of the lesser songs on the EP. Ray-Von slows down his maniacal delivery to a more traditional, following-the-rhythm deliver, and it remains leg-bouncingly fast and aggressive. It’s attitude may live up its namesake, but the guitars are more garage and less metal in style.

Eight songs may be a quick burst, but it’s probably the right amount. The music is aggressive and hyper and I can see a longer format overplaying its welcome. In short doses like this, it’s a solid and fun record that hints at insanity on the stage. While a lyric sheet is always appreciated, I get the distinct impression that I wouldn’t feel any more enlightened having read the lyrics to songs like “Ooga Booga” and “Ice Pick Kick.” This is cheap thrill music, and it packs a punch. It’s like getting hit with a big, dumb brick of rock’n’roll.

7.4 / 10 — Loren