What is it with retro? OK, AC/DC have never changed their modus operandi since day one. Jet have attempted to jump on that same band wagon - which worked well for them in the faltering hiatus between AC/DC output. And Oasis have never exactly hidden their Fab 4 idolisation. And I guess there's whole new generation of new prog out there. As they say, what goes around, comes around.

But Shenaniganz - a Bavarian 4 piece formed in 2004 - have reinvented a blend of good time rock 'n' roll, garage and punk. The album opens with Roses Are Red - a mix of AC/DC meet Jet, with a Bon Jovi style chorus line. And Merry Go Round throws in heavy nods to Aerosmith's walk this way. But the whole set is tempered with a loose seventies Jagger / Stones r&b influenced rock 'n' roll feel.

The album - which runs out at a generous 13 tracks - doesn't let up from the off, every track is energetic rock 'n' roll, with a nice unpolished feel that no doubt goes down a storm after a stein or three of Bavarian lager. Rock 'n' roll get's name checked in just about every other track. Jumpin' Jack Flash also gets a mention, while Girl In The First Row opens a Bolan style boogie riff. All strong signposts to the band's good time r&b influences.

But if you want a single comparator, it would have to be a New York Dolls. Of course, The Dolls are now active again, but they're hardly prolific. Shenaniganz come from the same school of rock and would certainly give David Johansen and co a run for their money. And as they say, imitation is the highest form of flattery.

Get down and dirty, fast and fruity goodtime rock 'n' roll.

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Review by Pete Whalley