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Oct 23, 2014 Web Exclusive By Cody Ray Shafer

Wampire look and sound like they’re parodying something, but they’re too damn good not to be taken seriously. They return with their follow up to 2013’s Curiosity with another glam-infused record that boasts as many dance jams as hazy trips.

With Bazaar, Wampire build a dense psychedelic playground to explore. By the end of the opening track “The Amazing Heart Attack,” there’s no denying their penchant for groovy indie rock with a head banging punk ethos, but they kick it up another notch with the following “Bad Attitude.” From there it only gets funkier, as Bazaar takes all the fun stuff from Bowie’s ‘70s work and channels it through a careful, youthful energy. The aptly titled “Too Stoned” could very well be a missing track from Diamond Dogs, squealing guitar and saxophone included.

If there’s one complaint, it’s that Bazaar burns out rather quickly. It knows exactly all the right reference points and notes to hit, and does so with surprising confidence. But it clocks in at just barely over 30 minutes, and the last few tracks are regrettably unremarkable. However, leaving the listener yearning for more isn’t the worst way to close an album. (www.wampiremusic.com)

Author rating: 7/10