Jacuzzi Boys Put Their Best Foot Forward on Fourth Album Ping Pong
Garage rock fans rejoice as Miami trio Jacuzzi Boys are set to give us their latest offering, Ping Pong on October 21 via their own label Mag Mag. The band is known for staying true to their happy-go lucky, chaotic garage band sound, and latest album is no exception.
The 12-track record opens with heavily distorted guitars followed by a poppy harmony in “Lucky Blade,” setting the tone from the get-go. The second track “Boys Like Blood” is more lyrically focused and has a bass line reminiscent of early Green Day, giving it a more made-for-radio indie pop sound.
Jacuzzi Boys – “Ping Pong”
“Refrigeration” stands out as the tempo is turned up, the lyrics get cute, and the first guitar solo is unleashed. This is followed by “Seventeen,” an ode to your care-free teenage years with the the lyrics “Seventeen, what a dream” repeated. This is one of the many pop-focused tracks on the album, armed with a groovy sound and sing-along chorus.
The next few tracks are the meat of the album, not quite standing on their on and all over the place at times. “Easy Motion” is the lightest number on the LP, opening with our first taste of acoustic guitar. This sound doesn’t last long as “New Cross” reverts back to their post-punk roots.
“Zoo” and “Gamma” stand out musically as the most experimental, and their chaotic sound is something Jacuzzi Boys really nail in this album. Ping Pong closes out with “Tip Of My Tongue-Edge Of My Brain,” which has an intricate breakdown and lyrical juxtaposition that is icing on the cake. In an interview with the Miami New Times, singer/guitarist Gabriel Alcala mentioned that:
“This one is kind of more of a rocking record – more tripped down, with less overdubs. It has kind of more of a live sound except for a few songs that use the studio elements to make it more freaked out and weirder.”
Overall, Ping Pong takes a big dip into the post-punk revival genre that is electrifying at times and cringingly poppy at others. It’s an album that makes you feel young again. Jacuzzi Boys became known for their wild live shows, and with Ping Pong, they show they can bring that same energy into the studio.
UPCOMING JACUZZI BOYS “PING PONG” TOUR DATES
10/15 – Cleveland, OH – Happy Dog
10/16 – Chicago, IL – Schubas
10/17 – Madison, WI – The Frequency
10/18 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th St. Entry
10/20 – Seattle, WA – Chop Suey
10/22 – Vancouver, BC – The Cobalt
10/23 – Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios
10/24 – Arcata, CA – Richard’s Goat
10/25 – Santa Rosa, CA – Arlene Francis Center
10/26 – San Francisco, CA – Bottom of the Hill
10/27 – Los Angeles, CA – The Satellite
10/28 – San Diego, CA – Soda Bar
10/30 – Tucson, AZ – Hotel Congress
10/31 – El Paso, TX – Lowbrow Palace
11/02 – Austin, TX – Sidewinder
11/03 – Dallas, TX – City Tavern
11/04 – New Orleans, LA – Siberia
11/05 – Tallahassee, FL – Warhorse Whiskey
11/06 – Orlando, FL – Will’s Pub