The Formative Years – Turbonegro
I have yet to come across a respectable authority with credentials in the realm of rock that would be able to bring something remotely negative forward regarding the musical legacy of Turbonegro.
While the band is still going today, my infatuation with them started in the early 1990s and I still hold their 1989 to 1998 period in high esteem, as it was the evolution of a unique band who created its own lane by channeling the cream of the crop of what punk, hard rock and glam had to offer, and infused it with deliberate oddball themes and a tongue-in cheek approach, the effects of which were only amplified by their often undetected subtlety and considerate humour.
It must have been in 1993 that I first came across Turbonegro through a friend in the US who sent their Hot Cars and Spent Contraceptives album as part of a trade. I instantly liked how they effortlessly channelled punk rock sensitivities with old school metal, backed by a thick layer of sarcasm.
I appreciated their second album Never is Forever for going being a deliberate departure from the low-fi and garage rock direction alternative music was dominated by in the mid-90s.
Refining their aesthetics, looks and trademarks of what Turbonegro should become known for in decades to come, I first saw them the first time live in 1995. I was blown away by how they redefined intensity and confrontative nature of live performances and the audience, no matter how much they liked the sound, were visibly confused as to how to interpret their schtick and choreography. It felt dangerous, irritating and fascinating.
The release of Ass Cobra followed in 1996, an album that along with Apocalypse Dudes added a spicy melange of proto-punk, L.A. glam and 70ies rock’n roll feel to the mix. Ass Cobra remains my favourite Turbenegro album to this day as it relentlessly showcases their humour, intelligence, playfulness with a patina of roughness and ferocity before they perfectioned their formula both in terms of sound and theatrical impact.
An adrenaline-fueled tour de force and an unequivocal masterpiece.
