Anyone who’s been following DJ Gaz le Rock’s career to date may have stumbled across his youtube account entitled ‘Gazontheraz’ and found his video for a tune called ‘Tea and Fags’. Starring Gaz and his mam (bless) it’s this video that launched Gaz into the spotlight. Known for his work with Mouthpiece and his show on 2XM (The Loving Room Floor) Gaz is no stranger to the music scene. However, it seems ‘Tea and Fags’ is a track that everyone could relate to as folks can’t seem to get enough of him since.
The likes of The Irish Times gave the track a 4 star rating when it first hit the scene back in November. State Magazine named Retarded Cop as one of their Faces of 2011. This prompted Gaz to form a full band, and according to the man himself this helped him “realise the vision of Retarded Cop in all its glory”.
Among his recruits is Jill Daly (Total Winners/Terrordactyl) on synths and vocals, Kev Pluck (guitar/b.vox), Moose (bass) and Wingo (drums). Since their formation they have become one of the hardest working bands around, writing and recording an album in a matter of weeks!
The long awaited ‘You Have the Right to Remain Retarded’ hit the shelves earlier this month, with a packed out launch at the Workman’s Club. So the question remains, does the album live up to all the hype? Well, absolutely!
You Have the Right to Remain Retarded is a total treat of a listen. Its incredibly catchy, synth-tastic track listing would brighten up any day. Tunes such as ‘Daisy’ (a gorgeous number written for Gaz’s daughter) had me smiling away to myself in work one day, while the catchy riffs in ‘Squirrels’ and ‘Van Man’ make it the ultimate party album. ‘Tea and Fags’ is an overall a favourite! It seems to be a testament to feeling down and out but it’s ultimately a positive tune, thus it’s incredibly uplifting.
They recorded the album with James Eager at the Hive Studios who really did an awesome job, the recording doesn’t compromise the bands punk roots as it doesn’t come across as too polished. It’s a delightful listen!
Writing an album that’s as strong from start to finish as ‘You Have the Right to Remain Retarded’ can’t be an easy task but Gaz and his crew nailed it. It’s loaded with feel good hits for the summer and if you haven’t heard it yet then I urge you to check it out. It’s currently streaming for free via Nialler9.
