Imperial State Electric

When the Hellacopters called it a day in 2008, punk rock'n'rollers were pretty freaked out. Would we ever hear the twangy, '60s garage rock influence and sugary harmonies of front-man Nicke Andersson again? While busy with Death Breath, that throwback death metal outfit are only an occasional side-project, featuring Andersson on drums, not guitar/vocals. Quelling our fears with the first jangly twang of opener "A Holiday From My Vacation," Andersson picks up right where his former outfit left off with Imperial State Electric. Upbeat and loose, yet featuring impeccable songwriting and endless hooks, this glorified solo project (with Andersson calling himself the "Head Of State") proves who the primary motivator behind the 'Copters really was. A perfect step in the same direction as 2005's Rock & Roll Is Dead, the album is immediately familiar, even if it does hunker down a little too comfortably within plinky grooves for most of its pelvic rockers. Regardless, Imperial State Electric assures that Andersson has enough fuel to keep the fire that is punk rock'n'roll burning for a long time.