I’ve said it before and – never shy about repeating myself – I’ll say it again: Making a great rock‘n’roll record doesn’t have to be rocket science. Exhibit A: Star Rats’ new album ‘Screw The Consequences’. Is it inventive? Not really. Original? Technically speaking, no. Does it feature complex, multi-segmented sound landscapes with melodic structures that flout genre norms and traditional song structure? Certainly not. But is it any good, then? Oh yeah, it’s awesome!

The Danish/Swedish sleaze rockers sound like a band that could be warming up for Mötley Crüe in a tacky L.A. club on Sunset Strip in the mid-80s – only these guys don’t seem out of date (as opposed to, some might argue, Mötley Crüe). In fact, Star Rats sound remarkably fresh and like a gang of guys that get up every morning with just to things on the agenda: 1) Have a party and 2) Rock their socks of. Hats off for that.

New frontman Magnus (aka Mr. Whattafuck… That’s right: Mr. Whattafuck) does exactly what he is supposed to: He snarls, he shouts, he pronounces the word “you” as “jouw” and he does his best to be sexy at the same time, so he can pick up chicks after the show. Meanwhile guitarist Dennis Post tries to jam all the smart ass riffs and cool solos he knows into every song. What’s not to like?

Backyard Babies might be the household name when talking about Scandinavian sleaze rock, but Star Rats certainly deserve praise as well. If not for anything else, then for making a Bon Jovi song sound cool with their cover of ‘I’ll Be There For You’.

Genre: Hard rock/Sleaze metal
Who: Star Rats
Album: Screw The Consequences
Label: Swedmetal/Target Distribution
Year: 2009
Country: Denmark/Sweden
Language: English

Recommended tracks:
Who Cares!? – As I Stay – Raise Your Hands To Rock