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Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse — Hot Nostalgia Radio (Grow Vision)

Smoky barroom blues and barnstorming rock and roll, combined with broad strokes of soul, funk and country, make for some fun times with a truly unique band.

Hot Nostalgia Radio does what it says on the tin. And then some.

But don’t be fooled into thinking this is a one-way ticket to Retroland. 

Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse boast a delightfully unpredictable, on-point sound that’s perfectly suited to 2024’s appetite for genre-bending, no-holds-barred, twisted creativity.

Frontwoman Great Valentini is a multi-faceted force of nature with the range to make grown men go weak at the knees.

And she pours every ounce of passion and soul into a 14-song set that shimmers from start to finish.

The brave decision to drop Hot Nostalgia Radio a month before its official release date is reassuringly typical behaviour from these arch disruptors.

Responding to requests from fans, it’s a canny ploy designed to persuade Apocalypse acolytes to pre-order physical copies — still due on May 3 — with the instant reward of a full download.

What a treat. Let’s hope it works.

Because, given the supreme sound and silky narrative running through this record of heartbreak and hope, Beaux Gris Gris & the Apocalypse deserve a big, big hit.

In truth, it’s a while since Rushonrock HQ has been so moved by music that’s made for deep contemplation and pure celebration.

Hitting that sweet spot between unbridled joy and stoic reflection — the secret to memorable songwriting through the ages — this is a band ready to rule the airwaves.

Craving the sound of your summer? Turn the dial to Hot Nostalgia Radio.

Beaux selector

Where to start with the sonic tapestry that’s this impossibly colourful record?

Perhaps skip straight to the soul-soaked Americana of Penny Paid Rockstar — a prescient take on life’s constant challenge.

Or if you’re in the mood to party then the B-52s-infused I Told My Baby benefits from an unapologetically buoyant groove.

Then there’s the meandering Middle Of The Night. Wow.

The vice-like grip of Robin Davey’s addictive riff bounces off another sultry Valentini vocal and heavenly brass courtesy of Jon-Paul Frappier and Yuri Villar.

It’s maybe, just maybe, the most special song here.

For the pop pickers out there it’s possible to imagine peak Kylie duetting with Valentini on the jaunty When I’m Dancing.

And just when you think The Runaway doesn’t quite maintain Hot Nostalgia Radio’s stellar level of consistency, Sam Robertson adds his accordion to the mix.

He’s back on Let’s Ride and the sea shanty spring of Mama Cry.

There are almost too many highlights to mention.

But we’re big fans of the country-lite, Cowboy Junkies-influenced Harder To Breathe.

And if you need some Chrissie Hynde-styled sass in your life (who doesn’t?) then don’t let go of Don’t Let Go.

A month ahead of schedule, Hot Nostalgia Radio tunes into yesterday, today and tomorrow. Just perfect.