Mark Sultan

Although not being chased down in an elaborate man hunt by an inept detective like Tom Hanks, as Leonardo Dicaprio was in 'Catch Me If You Can', you still have to admire the sheer number of alias's and a.k.a's The Sultan of Montreal has amassed in his relatively short 37 years. A former disciple of the punk ethic he maybe but BBQ, Blortz, Von Needles, Skutch, etc. etc ......or simply plain old Mark to his mum doesn't necessarily believe in the need for following the norms of accepted convention.

The former drummer, one man band, frontman and half duo come Richard Branson label owner has been pouring out albums in various guises over the past decade for Spaceshits, Les Sexareenos and King Khan & The BBQ Show. $ is his second full solo album, and follow up to 2007's 'Sultanic Verses'.

If you're a fan of The Cramps, The Revillos, The Birthday Party or just great 60's Garage Bands with an ear for a left field hook and dirty scuzzy backdrop then you'll find plenty to enjoy on $. The sonic adventure kicks off with a tribal drum beat and fused guitar riffs building to a potent crescendo of pulsating fuzziness. It's a full 4 minutes before you get to the vocal in the psychedelic Floydian romp of 'Icicles'. The throwback rhythms and raw production persist throughout the album. The nearly mimicked beats and licks from a fondly loved era of especially American, cult status inspiring, underground sounds abound everywhere.

Continue reading: Mark Sultan, $ Album Review