The Houses EP

 The Houses built themselves up from a local band in Geelong to winning the Victorian wide Push Start Freeza Battle of the Bands. With such a title under their belts, it was safe to say certain expectations were established for their debut EP. The House's EP is a 5 track mash of psychedelic, bluesy rock songs fueled with Jack White inspired guitar licks and vocal melodies reminiscent of Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeah's). That being said, there is a noticeable degree of other varied influences and a level of quirkiness, giving the songs a fresh feel, as well as showcasing an experimental approach to song structuring and guitar playing.

Upbeat drumming, soothing rhythms, driving bass lines and catchy vocal lines are evident, with various mood changes as the album progresses. The variation in the songs gives the band the opportunity to appeal to a variety of tastes, the combination of traditional and contemporary styles on the EP keep it interesting and exciting. Although its unfair to say it is the most innovative sound in recent times, the passion, musicianship and ability to write excellent songs are still displayed. This band has a fantastically energetic live show (As seen at Push Over 2010) and with the collection of songs put on offer here, there is nothing stopping the band from getting bigger and better if they continue refining the sound they have. 6/10

Favourite Songs: Help Or Hinder, She's Cactus

The Dead Weather - Sea Of Cowards

The bands first album Horehound gained a positive response and earned the band a lot of fans that liked the band for reasons other than the fact Jack White was in it. It was interesting to listen to the collaboration of the musicians on the first album, with White grooving the beats on the drums and providing back up vocals, letting the wonderful and sexy Alison Mosshart take the lead for the most part.

The first thing you will notice about the bands sophomere effort is the change in vocal presence. White sings almost as much as Mosshart which contrasts well with her vocals. A wider range of vocal styles are used creating an interesting sound that is different from the first album but also runs the risk of making the band seem like just another Jack White side project (which would probably be the likely response if this were the first release by the band).

Nevertheless, the two main artists focus on a different aspect of rock music, shying away from the catchy choruses and melodic licks similar to The Kills and The White Stripes, relying more on vicious guitar leads and the ferocity of the band as a whole for the hooks. It definitely has its stranger moments and seems to have more focus than the first album. It comes down to preference in the end, but fans of their previous work will love this, as will all the Jack White sweaters. 8/10

Best Songs:  Die By The Drop, The Difference Between Us, Blue Blood Blues