A Molotov cocktail of 50s guitar heroics and 60s garage
Probably the most distinctive and interesting thing about the Rebel Set are the Phoenix band‰’s two front assault of Link Wray-esque guitar lines and eerie, swirly twirly garage keys. The dark mix of organ and surf guitar creates an almost spooky, supernatural vibe not unlike The Black Belles (especially on instrumental “Planet Katey‰Û), but The Rebel Set‰’s songs are much more rooted in punk tradition, short bursts of energy awash in chaotic thrashing and shouting. If the record has one fault, it would be it‰’s kind of lackluster mixing/producing; the vocals feel pushed back and get caught up in all the other instruments and aren‰’t particularly interesting or distinct to begin with. With that being said, How to Make a Monster is a solid release that proves that surf and rock and roll stylings of yesteryear are neither gone nor forgotten.

RIYL: King Khan, Link Wray, The Monks
Recommended: 1, 7, 8, 10