I have to say, it was hard to get excited about another band influenced by Led Zep and Sabbath. Sure, The Darkness were fun for an album, but most bands simply don’t have the songwriting chops to pull it off without sounding tired and derivative. Yet from Kyuss to Monster Magnet, there’s always exceptions that manage to record some worthwhile new material. This Brisbane, Australia hard rock group offer a couple twists that keep things fresh, including some psychedelic proto-stoner metal along the lines of Blue Cheer and, surprisingly, a strong White Stripes influence (“Joker And The Thief”). The album isn’t even released in the U.S. yet, and the promotional machine is in full gear. Since it’s not 1974, DJs will no longer get the promos sealed in bags of cocaine. Hence, a backlash is inevitable. It’s great fun though. Bring on the tour with the smoke machines and capes!
