From Nancy Sinatra to Beyonce, "Bang Bang" has been covered many times since its release in 1966 (written by Sonny Bono). But, San Francisco's Monophonics' version, which was the lead single to the group's 2012 LP In Your Brian, might take the cake for one of the best in recent memory. Lead singer Kelly Finningan's outstanding vocal performance is reminiscent of Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, and the psych-soul instrumentation create a monster of a re-imagination that is far from a mere imitation of the original; this uptempo version is full of new energy, and it transforms the simple, pluck-guitar-driven number into a full-band assault. Flip the record over for "Thinking Back," as yet again, Monophonics add its fuzzy, "yellow sunshine acid"-laced touch to the Ike Turner heavy hitter.

• clear w/ black swirl vinyl
• music label: Colemine Records 2018

reviewed by rei kwondo 08/18