New York multi-instrumentalist Frank Gallo is a busy guy. In addition to fronting the prolific kindie-rock outfit Rolie Polie Guacamole and the more punk-fueled Karabas Barabas, he also sings, plays guitar, ukulele and synth for his diverse rock outfit Phranque.
The warm strumming of “Aloha Motherfucker” opens with Dean Jones on guitar and Josh Davis handling the fluid drumming of the energetic instrumental. “Rendezvous” then follows with Gallo’s smooth voice alongside crunchy guitar and some atmospheric stabs for a more alt-rock flavored climate, and “The Haunted Mask Of Lono” continues the unpredictable nature with Jane Scarpantoni’s elegant cello and playful ukulele via the hazy back drop.
The middle tracks belong to “Butcher The Scapegoat” and “Fire Tower.” The former is an energetic and harmonic rocker that buzzes in a way that’s also dance friendly, while the latter is a softer display of retro ideas that utilize Jones’ keys and synth with intrigue.
Some of the best tracks reside on the back half. The family friendly “Narcissistic Lullaby” touches on his work with Rolie Polie Guacamole, and the textured haze of “Revised Prayer” uses Jacob Smith’s intricate bass lines superbly. “Mahalo” exits, and pairs the fuzzed-out guitar with meticulous ukulele and a very atypical balance of grungy rock and tropical sounds.
You might think that so much ukulele on a rock record would seem out of place, but it sure fits well here. Gallo’s vision might bring to mind artists like Weezer, Beck, The Beatles or Red Hot Chili Peppers with a splash of ’90 Sub-Pop Records. This project began during the pandemic times, when Gallo was locked in a hotel room with a ukulele and a case of Covid. It certainly defies easy classification, but will appeal to fans of rock from the ’70s on.