Norwegian rockers Kardang raise their game with their second album: Rizky Biznizz

Album review by Phil M.

Most artists have a biopic on Spotify that gives some background on the band, lineup, discography, breakups, reunions etc. Kardang bucks the trend there with the simple statement “We are KARDANG and we play Rock ‘n’ Roll”. Having listened to this, their second album released in late October it is hard not to disagree with that sentiment.

Hailing from the small town of Flekkefjord in southern Norway their first album ‘We Ain’t Dead Yet’ came out last year to good critical acclaim.

The band have started pretty much where the last album left off – the sound of the album is classic rock with a pop/punk influence – so right up my street. The style (and not so ‘me too’) album cover is a foretaste of what we can expect – feel-good, retro-style classic rock!

All good albums start with a banger, and this is no exception. Opener ‘Change of Heart’ kicks off with a haunting and gritty picked guitar (which repeats throughout the track) before the riffing starts, the sound has a southern feel, and where most bands would suffice with one catchy chorus Kardang throws two in for good measure with nice backing vocals. The lead break when it arrives is great and well-considered, not shredded and with nice dual guitar licks. The track even concludes with a retro-style fade-out.

The first single from the album ‘Don’t Let Me Drive’ starts with thumping drums ushering in a great riff and the track fairly rocks along with it.

‘Man Eater’ is their third and most current single from the album and starts with picked guitar before an AC/DC style riff kicks in, good lead work and yet another catchy chorus. ‘Were Gonna All Be Alright’ has a groove like a heavied-up Tom Petty from the riff through to the lead solo, decidedly a feel-good track that bounces along.

‘We’re Gonna Be Alright’ has a southern rock feel to it mixed up with that same Petty-like vibe, nice vocals leading into an excellent guitar solo. ‘Scandinavian Girls’, a subject which I’m sure the band are familiar with is on the heavier side with a classy riff and another great sing-along chorus.

The title track from the album follows starting with a meaty chord heading towards feedback, and then into the descending and ascending riff. The verse sounds like early Kiss on Speed and there are plenty of ‘whoa-ohs’ in the chorus to sing along with.

I like the picked notes in the verse of ‘When the Water Runs Dry’ which also has good chugging riffing, and ‘Dream Forever’ is the mandatory ballad with guitars and vocals joined by a kick drum later and finally the whole band kick in – time enough for the bassist to have got to the bar and back!

‘Hey Everybody’ picks up the pace again with a very Quo-like riff and chord changes to it and ‘Down To The River’ has a nice descending bass line over a picked guitar, and the album finishes up with the appropriately named ‘In the End’.

This is a solid rock album with great riffs, guitar solos, vocals and catchy choruses and is well worth a listen. For fans of classic rock and in particular bands like The New Roses.

Kardang are:

Chris Williams – Vocals

Boogie Silver – Guitar

Jonkis – Guitar

Terry Hammer – Bass

Freddy – Drums

Track Listing:

1. Change of Heart
2. Don’t Let Me Drive
3. Man Eater
4. We’re All Gonna Be Alright
5. Scandinavian Girls
6. Rizky Biznizz
7. When The Water Runs Dry
8. Dream Forever
9. Hey Everybody
10. Down To the River
11. In The End