Despite their unwieldy name which suggests a rather sizeable ensemble,this Norwegian group is in actuality a trio comprised of DJ ErlendSellevold (aka Ralph Myerz) and his cohorts Tarjei Strom and ThomasLonnheim. This, their debut full-length, which is heavily influenced by'60s and '70s film scores, has already placed the band high on thecharts in their native land. In fact, Ralph Myerz & Co. borrowedparts of their moniker from sleazemaster Russ Meyer and his cameraman,Jack Herren, as a result of their fixation upon the soundtracks forMeyers' films when the group initially came together.A Special Album, although it sounds very sample-based, isprimarily played live. The second track, "Nikita," the single thatbroke the band and was quickly snapped up by Volkswagen execs for usein an advertisement, contains a sample of "Sexy Girls" from GertWilden's score to Maedchen die nach Muenchen kommern that isused to maximum dreamy effect. RM&JH are indeed impressivemusicians in their own right, and play a variety of keyboards,synthesizers, and an assortment of percussive instruments. Assistingthem on a few of the tracks are two female vocalists who provide anextra sexy punch to songs like "Casino" and "Think Twice," which areamong the strongest on the album. At times, the sound recalls thelaid-back funk of Monk & Canatella, while "You Never Come Closer"is an ethereal nod to trip hop on a film noir bender.
Perhaps A Special Album'sonly weak spot lies in the fact that, by the time the last three songsroll around, the band seem to be running out of ideas. By all means,it's still extremely listenable, but as the record winds down, theear-catching quality that it opened with begins to evaporate. Thatsaid, RM&JH are without doubt one of the most entertaining newbands of the year. All in all, their debut is not exactlygroundbreaking, but is nonetheless a fun, upbeat listen. -
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