The Baboon In the Basement

Album Review

On his solo debut after several decades in the business as a band member, session man, and producer, Martin Gordon offers punchy, upbeat straight-ahead rock with a mild glam rock whimsy that sounds almost as if it could have come out of Britain in the 1970s. The debts to early-to-mid-'70s British rock are evident in the crunchy guitar-oriented arrangements and tunes derived from both pop and hard rock. Although it's mostly original material, the covers provide an apt guide to Gordon's sensibilities: the Move's "Tonight," the Rolling Stones' "We Love You," and Marc Bolan's "Warlord of the Royal Crocodiles." Strong traces of David Bowie and the Beach Boys, to name a couple of influences, also bob up from time to time. Baboon in the Basement is a competent journeyman reflection of Gordon's background in late-20th century non-punk, new wave pop/rock, and well-sung by Pelle Almgren in a high range.