It’s been four years since rock veterans Springbok Nude Girls gave us something to talk about.

Now with their new EP, Apes with Shades, the Nudies have gone back to their roots, though trying to defy their increasingly apparent age.

This album is harder than the last few have been, and their famous ska sounds are back, though not in full force. The trumpet, which was so prominent in their live show, is muted and almost not there at all.

Hardly radio-friendly, with the exception of Weekend, which sounds like a good version of a poor man’s U2, Apes with Shades is an almost primal mix of sounds. Rolling drums, strong vocals and distortion reign supreme.

But it’s as if they’re trying to go back to their 20s. It kind of falls flat, as Arno Carsten’s aging voice is so apparent and their stage performances have matured accordingly.

The interludes between each track are somewhat eerie and out of theme, but lead into each song quite nicely.

The album goes from heavy to heavier – on distortion and volume – to mellow, heavy again and then winds down like a really good live concert.

Most notable are Wild of an Animal, No Good for You and the slower but no less grungy Godllike Man.

The fact that there is a theme to the album is a strengthening factor. The concept of ‘animalism’ is one that runs through most songs, and ties in with Apes with Shades, even though that’s not the theme of each song. It’s more in the almost Neanderthal sound. Monkeys with instruments. Apes with shades. It’s what the Springbok Nude Girls were always about. The consistency is comforting.

Even though it’s got no Bubblegum on my Boots factor, it's still going to go onto my iPod.

(Note: Please don't go onto the website listed in the sleeve. It leads you to porn. Har-dee-har-har Nudies.)

Rating: 6/10