The Fanatic IV from Helsinki caught my ear a few months back with a preview track from "Go Where the Action Is!," a 4-song EP on the El Toro label. This record has taken up permanent residence next to Deck 1 in my record room, except when traveling around in the "Gotta Spin NOW" box I bring to DJ gigs. This is straight ahead rock 'n' roll sung and played by guys who know exactly what they're doing. But it's also more than that. You don't make a record like this by dabbling in a genre for ten minutes before rolling tape. A lifetime of rock 'n' roll is wrapped in this small orange package.
About the format: Although the Fanatic IV most definitely have the firepower to deliver a full LP/CD--I expect that's already in the works--the four-song EP packs a solid punch. The term "all killer--no filler" would not be misapplied here. More bands should do the short form. Bash four scorchers down and blast your best sounds around the world.
Make that three scorchers and one moody burner, a twist-era cover of Hank Williams' "Ramblin' Man." You're right to be skeptical, but the results are infectious. (This band could get the Statue of Liberty out on the dance floor.) There are two originals on the disc--including the title track, which I've found fits perfectly between Lelan Rogers' "Hold It" and "Las Vegas Scene" (Wes Dakus) in a live set--and another cover, Bobby Darin's "Irresistible You."
Here's how The Fanatic IV summarized their sound on Facebook: "Imagine frat rock at its moronic peak in ’63 mixed with heartfelt teen ballads done by the last of the greasers in the time when blond Fender Amps were the loudest thing in town and everybody was doing the twist." Nicely said, and, sure, it is all that. But they're holding back more than a little bit. This is a very special little record.
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