Clearly inspired by The Overtones, I have also been listening to the debut from the European equivalent of the group, The Baseballs. Formed in Berlin, Germany in 2007, The Baseballs are a feel good, rock and roll band who perform inspired doo-wop and rock and roll covers of modern pop classics. Strike was their debut album which came out in the UK in the summer of last year, and which rose to prominence on the back of huge support from Scott Mills on Radio 1, who is a big fan. The Baseballs have been quite successful over here as a result, even recently embarking on a UK tour in support of their debut record.
Strike is a great listen, and although it is dripping (intentionally) in cheesy retro stylings, it is so insanely “cool”. It almost makes you want to grow a big old quiff in the process, to emulate the icons of yesteryear. Their take on pop hits is excellent, and they really bring a different and unique dimension to the songs they pay tribute to. Covering everyone from Plain White T’s and Leona Lewis, to Roxette, Katy Petty, and Usher, Strike is a ludicrously enjoyable and fun album to listen to from start to finish.
After the first listen, my personal highlight was their version of Love In This Club, originally by Usher ft Young Jeezy. The original is a brilliant song anyway, but this is a more than worthy accomplice. The vocals are stunning, and the group have some excellent harmonies across this track alone, and the entire album follows suit. Umbrella is also a standout, and a riveting opener to the album, and Hot and Cold, Hey There Delilah, Crazy In Love, Bleding Love, and I Don't Feel Like Dancing, are all excellent covers, The Baseballs put a new and exciting twist on each of them.
This, along with the last album I reviewed, is definitely worth a listen, as no matter what your view on 50’s style music is, this will still appeal to you, and you will not be able to help singing along.
7.5/10
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