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ESKA – Hypnotism Act 1952 (Gringo)

Posted: October 25th, 2004, by Marceline Smith

Most bands would kill for a riff like this. Maybe Eska did, or maybe they’ve sold their souls but if so, damn, it was worth it. I first heard this song a couple of years ago and was staggered by it and, with only one more hearing a few days later, it was firmly stuck in my memory. When I got this record I placed it on my turntable and hoped beyond hope that it would be this song. When it was it seemed too good to be true. Any other band with this riff would just revel in it for about 20 minutes but not Eska, oh no. Start with one guitar and some clattering drums and then bring on the duelling. Then they’re up to their tricks, dropping the riff for twisting turns of ponderous vocals and dreamy picking which you know they’re partly doing so they can drag..it…out….and…..then…..BLAM! Then why not ditch the riff completely for a bit of utterly joyful guitarwork coupled by echoing drums with Colin hollering just that perfect distance from the mic before the guitars cut back in and out quicker than you can keep up. It’s dizzying and utterly marvellous. Still the most underrated band in Scotland but this is my favourite record of the year and I haven’t even managed to turn it over yet*.

Part of the Gringo Singles Club
www.gringorecords.com

*Apologies to New Radiant Storm King who have the unenviable task of sharing this piece of vinyl.



Marceline Smith

Marceline is the fierce, terrifying force behind diskant.net, laughing with disdain as she fires sharpened blades of sarcasm in all directions. Based in Scotland, her lexicon consists of words such as 'jings', 'aboot' and 'aye': our trained voice analysts are yet to decipher some of the relentless stream of genius uttered on a twenty-four hour basis. Marceline's hobbies include working too much and going out in bad weather.

http://www.marcelinesmith.com

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