Cruisin’ For A Bruisin’ by Henrik Strang & The Re-Runs
Released January 2022 by Henrik Strang
Reviewed 14/01/2022 by Brandon Anderson (www.rockabillyrarities.com)
Cruisin’ For A Bruisin’ is the latest release from Finnish rockers Henrik Strang & The Re-Runs featuring five new songs to usher in the new year.
Henrik Strang is backed up by the hard-hitting Anders Törnqvist on drums and the slick-slapping of Janne Samuel Rajala on bass.
“Ladies Man” is one of those tracks that starts rocking right out of the gate, with Henrik Strang getting right down to business with some fantastic guitar work that has all of the tone and twang you’d expect in a proper rockabilly tune. It is the perfect track to get things started and introduces you to the fantastic playing of Henrik and Co. with their tight and cohesive vibe that comes out in the clarity and power of the recording itself. Great job guys!
“Cruisin’ For A Bruisin’” is the hard driving title track off of Cruisin’ For A Bruisin’ and it highlights the undeniably chugging rhythm of Janne and Anders behind the expert guitar work of Henrik Strang, creating a fantastic traditional rock and roll song that is 100% geared towards getting out on the dance floor and partying! Henrik and the boys definitely show that they are a force to be reckoned with on “Cruisin’ For A Bruisin’”.
“My Little Darlin’” brings things down to a slower pace for a minute as Henrik and the boys play on their softer side and pull on the listeners heart strings with a good old fashioned love ballad that goes out to all of the lovers out there. If you are missing that special someone then this one is for you. So press play, sit back, and think of that person in your life that you can’t wait to reunite with.
“Dog” features a classic rockabilly rhythm that gives a nod to old school cats like Gene Vincent but also has some new school flair reminiscent of bands like The Stray Cats, Three Blue Teardrops, and The Krewmen. Expert guitar work with some surf influence is the highlight of what may quickly be becoming our favorite track from Henrik Strang & The Re-Runs. We love the mysterious “Secret Agent Man” meets “Rumble in Brighton” vibe that is happening in this song.
“Red Hot” is the perfect ode to hot rods and a great track to finish things up on. Featuring a strong country music vibe, “Red Hot” sounds lie it could have been recorded in Kentucky with all of the great distorted slide guitar work and Henrik’s deep and clean vocals. Seriously, this dude could front a US country band and totally get away with it without anyone in the audience being wise to that fact that he is Finnish, he is that good. Another great job!
Cruisin’ For A Bruisin’ is five fun tracks of fast and fun rock and roll music. We definitely recommend this one for fans of bands like The Stray Cats, Hot Rod Walt & The Psycho DeVilles, Three Blue Teardrops and other Neo-traditional rockabilly outfits. It’s one of those good ole fashioned albums chocked full of girls, gears, grease, and gasoline!
Track 1 - “Ladies Man”
Track 2 - “Cruisin’ For a Bruisin’”
Track 3 - “My Little Darlin’”
Track 4 - “Dog”
Track 5 - “Red Hot”
Henrik Strang is a hard-hitting rock and roll trio from Provo, Finland. They serve up rockin’ songs about fast cars, rowdy boys, and sly dogs… and for good measure there’s even an occasional love song for the tender hearted. Check them out on Spotify!
