Frenzal Rhomb- Sans Souci

Sans Souci is Frenzal Rhomb's eighth album. It was released in 2003, three years after Shut Your Mouth.

I never really got into Frenzal Rhomb, and bought this album purely for the comedy genius that is the song Russell Crowe's Band. Maybe you had to be there witnessing the arrogance and phone-throwing antics, but in my book this retort is a hilarious pisstake. Backed up with some very catchy pop-punk backing. Perhaps it is immature of me, but this is still my favourite song of the album.

On the other hand, even though Punisher was a successful single, I just can't get into the eclectic style of the chorus. Similarly, songs like Ballchef, I Went Out With A Hippy and You'll Go To Jail are too eclectic and heavy for me. White World would also be on this list, but it redeems itself with a great cover of Cat Stevens' classic in the chorus.

A brief interlude to ponder the recording quality... Okay, I understand that no-one is expecting a punk-rock album to be a refined, hi-fidelity experience; but that's no excuse for a muffled upper-midrange and the compression squashing much of the life out of the songs.

While I'm on my high horse, I'm not sure how to interpret the tale of Bucket Bong. Is it just a light-hearted celebration of youthful foolishness, or perhaps a cheap dig at the lower class perhaps? Hmmm. But before anyone starts thinking I might be making some sophisticated observations here, witness the lyrical genius of the chorus in Who'd Be A Cop:
Did you not get enough love?
Did your parents beat you up?
Do you worry about
The size of your penis?
Highbrow? No. Offensive and amusing punk? Absolutely! It's a classic example of tongue-in-cheek punk. (however the rest of the song is a bit of a dog's breakfast)

Looking Good and C**ksucker show a great diversity of musical styles to perfectly illustrate the sarcastic, harsh lyrics. Looking Good uses nicely layered country rock, and C**ksucker is in a silky smooth pop-rock style. Both are brilliantly executed, despite being miles away from the band's typical thrashy punk style. Completely unexpected, and great stuff.

Favourite songs

Russell Crowe's Band, Looking Good, C**ksucker

I diggit?

Normally this dirtier style of punk doesn't really appeal to me. But I'm a fan of this one, thanks to some solid songwriting and immature LOLs.