Boots Electric

Boots Electric is the entertaining side-project of Jesse Hughes (Eagles of Death Metal). His first solo release, Honkey Kong, features help from long-time collaborator Josh Homme, as well as keyboardist/producer Money Mark. Upon first glance, Boots Electric may like a character that Jesse Hughes can use as a way to display his funky eroticism, what some would call a joke. Once you strip away the gimmick, however, it becomes clear that Honkey Kong is littered with pop gems. From the playful absurdity of "Trippy Blob" to the rock'n'roll of "Speed Demon," Hughes continues to surprise with moments of pop genius. Many tracks, such as "You'll Be Sorry," are completely engrossing, until a barrage of strange noises kicks in during the chorus, reminding you that this is in fact a Boots Electric album. A record as fun and refreshing as Honkey Kong is always welcome, especially when it's littered with such quality songcraft.