The Margaret Hooligans – Turntable Tribulations (2022)
Described by notable publications as “real rock…made of instinct, passion and love” (Edgar Allan Poets), “a unique phenomenon on the modern rock scene…” (Indie Dock Music Blog), and “geniuses who take their music more seriously than their own lives…” (Indie O’ Clock), The Margaret Hooligans are a unique duo with a truly distinctive sound. A regular band on The Other Side Reviews, our heads have been turned by the US-based pair and we continue to look on eagerly for more from The Margaret Hooligans. I’m pleased to say their new album Turntable Tribulations is something tasty for our tastebuds.
Along with the previously released singles ‘Red Rider’, ‘Fat Tongue’, ‘Pete and Roger’ and ‘Feedback’, The Margaret Hooligans share eclectic melodies to represent our dystopian society. No, seriously, even their tribute to Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend has a profound leaning with The Who having a strong influence on The Margaret Hooligans’ recent work. Penned during the Covid-19 pandemic, Turntable Tribulations is a follow-up album to last year’s BoomBox Blasts. Yes, the work on BoomBox Blasts was also a representation of experiences during the pandemic; however, Turntable Tribulations explores the intricate complexity of interacting in a virtual reality.
One of the more exciting aspects of The Margaret Hooligans is their versatility as artists. Opening Turntable Tribulations with ‘Oh Lord, Hit It’, a track about a “drunken dilettante housewife who can’t seem to get it together…”, the pair immediately introduce you to their chaotic melodic style. Dedicated to the actress Linda Gray, who played Sue Ellen Ewing on the television show Dallas, ‘Oh Lord, Hit Me’ has a sound that even Linda Gray herself approves of. Turntable Tribulations continues with its “loud and in your face” attitude with the second track ‘Good Morning Micro Man’, but a movement from the frenetic tone to incorporate a sense of punk smoothness in ‘Fat Tongue’ showcases The Margaret Hooligans’ innovation.
A fan of The Margaret Hooligans, it is rather difficult to choose a favourite track on Turntable Tribulations. ‘Psycho Diapers’ has an advantage as a four-piece rock opera strung together by commercial jingles bringing diversity to the album. Moreover, the track is brash, stark and abrupt; as well as having a soothing, smooth nature in a type of organised madness enhancing the dulcet vocals, bold drums and dynamic ukulele. Anything but pedestrian, The Margaret Hooligans is adventurous, lively, amusing and obscure – anything but pedestrian.
For more from The Margaret Hooligans check out their official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
