Gringo Star – Count Yer Lucky Stars

With track titles including Esmerelda and Mexican Coma, those new to Gringo Star’s schtick might expect their moniker to directly reference their sound: a Mexicali Fab Four, perhaps, trilling mariachi homages to Beatlemania (And Your Bird Cancun Sing? Taco to Ride?  Er, Tijuana Hold Your Hand…?). But no: while they plunder popular beat combos of the period (The Kinks seem especially beloved), they play their retro rock straight. Too straight: Count Yer Lucky Stars is consistently pleasant, with catchy hooks and an agreeable breeziness, but there’s a dearth of substance.

Fellow Atlantans The Black Lips dress up in robes of a similar trim, but where they nail their influences, Gringo Star largely re-hash rather than rejuvenate, and consequently strike gold less frequently. When you’re ranking second in the niche category of ‘best act with a name punning on everyone’s fourth favourite Beatle’ (Ringo Deathstarr ftw), there’s evidently work to be done.