Will the Guns Come Out Innovative Leisure***

San Francisco-born skater Hanni El Khatib certainly talks a great game as he sets out his stall as a tough, garage-rock greaseball trading in taut, switchblade riffs and tough noir-soul. The proof of this pitch is in the music, which he carries off with some swagger, thanks to the fact that the tunes are canny and nimble enough to ensure our hero doesn't find himself in some sort of nostalgic Gene Vincent wish- fulfillment movie. All garage- rock revivalists have to escape long shadows; El Khatib keeps the musical fuss to a minimum, allowing the simple clamour of guitar and drums to run things on songs such as Build. Destroy. Rebuild, You Rascal Youand a surprisingly effective mournful take on Heartbreak Hotel. The jury may be out on El Khatib's claim that this is "knife fight music", but fans of edgy pop with a few snarls will enjoy this experience. See hannielkhatib.com

Download tracks:You Rascal You, Build. Destroy. Rebuild