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

Grenadiers - Songs The Devil Taught Us

 

After hearing a song by this small time rock band from Adelaide on a compilation album, I decided to check this band out. I'm usually impatient with new rock bands but this band caught my attention. It might not be the most innovative album, drawing influences from bands like The Bronx (the lighter material anyways), but the guys definitely know how to write brilliant rock riffs and catchy songs. And they have beards as epic as Four Year Strong.

They use everything from melodic breaks, massive choruses and interchanging aggressive and melodic vocals which makes them stand out. Driving drums and well executed riffs shows the bands excellent musicianship, tracks like "Old Uncle Scratch" and "No One Listens" being good examples of this. Grenadiers are as good as any of Australia's bigger rock acts and are definitely an act to keep an eye on. 7.5/10

Best Songs: Old Uncle Scratch, Abandon Ship, No One Listens, Bad Hand.

Attack Attack! - Self Titled

After looking over their previous work which always had a mixed reception, Attack Attack! decided to try "step it up to new grounds" with a sophomore album. I could never take this band seriously but I found that "Someday Came Suddenly" could be fun to listen to. Now with an attempt at a "tougher sound", all you can do is laugh. The album is made up of a bunch of electro-pop sounding songs, a bunch of metalcore songs and a few combo songs. The metalcore songs sound like poorly done For The Fallen Dreams rip offs and the electro-pop songs sound like 3OH3! rip offs. I guess that was their attempt at expanding their fan base. The rest of the songs consist of cheesey keyboard sections, autotuned clean vocals and screams that sound like they've been digitally lowered.

A lot of the songs open with repetitive breakdowns, giving it a very tedious feel. There are some potentially alright songs like "Sexual Man Chocolate", one of the few occasions where the synth parts aren't over done. The highlight of the album for me was "Shut Your Mouth", one of the dance tracks. The sound was nothing new but at least it could be a little catchy. "AC-130" has potential but seems too full of attempts at incredibly heavy breakdowns. By the end of the album I just wanted it to end finding myself asking "Why the hell am I listening to this again?" every minute or two. The band has tried way too hard to impress everyone instead of trying to find a sound that works for them, which loses them any respect they had in the first place. Hopefully one day they can develop their sound and create something worth listening to but this album is just a confused mix of genres and poor musicianship. 2/10

Best Songs: N/A (That's up to you to decide, I can't enjoy any of these songs.)

Jack Johnson - To The Sea

 Not too much to say about his latest effort. It got the same sweet melodies and catchy lyrics accompanied by his soothing mellow voice. You can't really say he's gone on to try anything new with this album, not that he needs to in order to keep his fans loyal.

Some could argue it is disappointing that after such a long time his sound hasn't evolved, but I don't think too many people will argue. Sure this album is nothing too groundbreaking and life changing like some of his previous albums, but it is more Jack Johnson and the more, the merrier and I'm sure many, many people with agree. 7/10

Best Songs:  The Upsetter, To The Sea, Only The Ocean

Stick To Your Guns - The Hope Division

I had much doubt with the announcement of this album after finding "Comes From The Heart" so disappointing. I was skeptical about how this album would be and whether the band could pull off something that was close to their first album but still relatively new and refreshing. As soon as it kicks off, they're on the right track, utilising both the genius old school hardcore and metal sounds that were evident on "For What It's Worth" as well as using some aspects of the second album that weren't so awkward. This album is definitely a return to form, the band have put together well structured metalcore that has everything from groovy breakdowns to catchy as hell choruses and still manage to stand out from a lot of other bands, filling the niche in the repetitive metalcore scene. The biggest highlight of the album are the poetic and meaningful lyrics, one of the greatest assets of STYG. The band isn't doing anything incredibly unique but they have written songs that are interesting enough to keep your interest.

With excellent lyrics relating to an overall theme of hope (as the title implies), well executed and unique vocals as well as good driving metal riffs, this album is indeed full of energy and heart. The only criticism is that the album can be monotonous when you listen to it all in one sitting and the copious amount of philosophical speech quotes can also be tedious. Overall, it is a good album but if you've never been a fan of their previous stuff then this wont appeal to you any more than the other albums. 7.5/10

Best tracks: Amber, Where The Sun Never Sleeps, Faith In The Untamed.

Deez Nuts - This Ones For You

Ah, the second full length by Deez Nuts. At first sight it is more of the same hardcore punk power chords mixed with the hip-hop styled vocals and misogynistic lyrics but it seems this time JJ Peters may have made an attempt at evolution. Featuring guest appearances from the likes of Louie Knuxx and Oli Sykes, the haters will keep hating and the kids who love singing along will keep loving this band.

The album kicks off with a nifty hip-hop intro reminding me of retro skate videos, before kicking in to the fast and heavy "Don't Call It A Comeback". The band seems to have taken on more influences from bands such as Madball with the sound on this record feeling a lot bigger than before. Catchy choruses like the one in "DTD" are welcoming as well as short and fast hardcore tracks like "Go Veg" and a Grips And Tonic cover of "Pigs Is Pigs" is lovely, all making for a bit of unexpected variety.

Some of the tracks have added flair making for some memorable moments but in the end it's more of the same old thing for the most part. It is a fun album, especially with the participative gang vocals and it's something that shouldn't be taken too seriously. It's no Rep Your Hood but if you just think of this as Stay True Part 2 then this band is right on the ball.  5/10

Best Songs: Pigs Is Pigs, Go Veg, Don't Call It A Comeback, DTD.