Runnin' Wild
Roadrunner
They always say musical trends go in cycles and that couldn't be more apparent than with the hype that's been built around the newest Aussie sensation Airbourne. Let's face it, if this band came out in the mid/late '80s they would have easily been written-off as just another AC/DC clone but nowadays this music honestly sounds somewhat refreshing. Airbourne clearly, and admittedly, rip-off everything AC/DC churning out 2-3 minute beer-swilling, boogie-rock/metal anthems in the true spirit of Aussie rock. (This 11-song CD runs slightly over a half-hour in length so it's really more an EP than an LP). But as us true-metal pioneers will recall, there's been incredible Aussie bands long before Airbourne that have wrongfully been accused of cloning AC/DC, most notably the truly underrated Rose Tattoo and The Angels (or Angel City as they were more widely known throughout the US)...and I guess Heaven as well (although they didn't have near the originality, diligence or swagger as either Rose Tattoo or Angel City.)
But seeing that it's been over 7 years since AC/DC has put out a record and Rose Tattoo and Angel City have been virtually unnoticed here in the states for nearly 2 decades (and let's not forget other great underground Aussie bands from the '80s like Taipan and Bengal Tigers) it's great to see Australia back on the metal map with bands like Spiderbait and now Airbourne making waves here in the US. Although this sound and style has never gone away, in fact Texas based bands such as Broken Teeth have been carrying that torch for several years now (and honestly I feel do a far better job) but there is an authenticity with Airbourne when it comes to gritty alcohol-fueled rock'n'roll that is way more rugged and genuine than the trendy Hollywood glitzy bands such as Jet and Buckcherry.
The songs are solid but truthfully the only standout track I recall is the first single "Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast" which actually reminds me a bit of the great Danish band D.A.D. But for those that like their rock'n'roll simple and hard-hitting or if you seem to be coming down with a cold (sorry...that's the other Airbourne) I highly suggest you check out Airbourne.
TAINT
Secrets And Lies
Candlelight
Secrets And Lies is the second album from this Wales (UK) band and it rocks pretty damn hard, adding the perfect elements of brash old-school punk, NY-style hardcore, and classic British metal. Really powerful songs complimented by the ultra-raw, ideally effective production of Alex Newport (At The Drive-In, Melvins). This is easily one of the best releases to come out of Candlelight this last year. Crank up the opener "Hex Breaker," "Barnstorm Zombie Revival" and "The Idealist" and you'll see exactly what I mean. Highly recommended.
Shockwaves CD REVIEWS ISSUE 15 Page 8