The Voyeurs – “Rhubarb Rhubarb”

Fusing a combination of sixties punk and eighties nu-wave, The Voyeurs have returned with their second album Rhubarb Rhubarb.

Following up after their debut release Clarietta, the East Londoner’s have delivered another charmingly ramshackle release that effortlessly coveys a palpable sense of fun.

‘Train To Minsk‘ actually does bounce along like a train, the simple yet effective rhythm section jostling along to create a genuine sense of momentum. This bustling groove makes regular appearances throughout the duration of the record, most notably in ‘Stunners‘ and the amusing ‘Pete The Pugilist‘ (“he’s not your friend, its time to leave”).

Scratchy guitars and emphatic chants feature in the punk rock movers ‘Say You Love Him (and Choke)‘ and power closer ‘French Fancy‘. ‘Damp Walls‘ files into this category as well but with added spice as it drifts suprising into a thudding tribal outro.

Nestled sporadically throughout the punk shenanigans are some delightfully delicate moments that emerge as unpredictable highlights. ‘The Smiling Loon‘ has a touch of ‘Strawberry Fields‘ about it and its almost languid rhythms are appropriately complimented by the repeated lyric “just having fun”. Three simple words that encapsulate what The Voyeurs are all about. Title track ‘Rhubarb Rhubarb‘ has the feel of a casual doobie fuelled garage jam, rolling lazily around shimmering guitar, drifting along in a pleasantly carefree manner.

The common ingredient that permeates Rhubarb Rhubarb is the occasionally left of centre synth lines that pop up in both the heavier and mellow moments, providing frequent colourful flourishes. Whilst the album is an entetaining listen, some tracks seem to be a litle elongated for their own good, This isn’t problematic on the more jam orientated slower numbers but a few of the rock ditties could have been sliced up a touch for a more concise listen. That aside, the record is a fun journey that progresses nicely from the debut Clarietta.

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Gavin Stocker

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Outside of Across The Ocean Gavin Stocker writes, records and performs music under the moniker of P Truck.

He can also be found clinging to his youth on a skateboard or wandering aimlessly through the bush.