If you like AC/DC and MOTÖRHEAD, then you will love this. Heavy rock with speed, but without losing feeling and melodies. DIRTY RATS from Australia have the playfulness like ROLLING STONES.
One year ago came their worldwide critically acclaimed first album “Rock N Roll”. Here we now have the second full length release “End In Tears”, which wake you up, as if you were hit in the face with joy. This record is an energy boost.

It all started 1982 in Melbourne, maybe just for fun. However, this band quickly gained a reputation for earthy and direct songs with catchy hooks and choruses. Their performances made the audience headbanging and sing along from the top of their lungs. Locally they got a huge fan base. In the beginning this group did four or five gigs a week. A number of EPs was also made during this time.
These pub rockers then had an extended break, but reformed in the late 2000. After numerous lineup changes an explosive four piece band took its final form. Except a five track EP, the result was presented 2018, now followed by a strong sequel. Here we find guitar driven rock with a small touch from the eighties, composed by the songwriting team of founder and bassist Jamie Beovich, together with singer Wayne “Richie Rat” Rich.

A distorted guitar in a low tone and a heavy bass is heard. Then both this disc and the first song sets off. “The Juice” is cool, tough and with a nice beat on the drums. It contains a delightful tempo and exquisite guitar playing from Anthony “Chooka” Chapple.
When Rich sings “Feeling down and you want to be free” I can only agree, while swinging my arms in the air, feeling happy. No matter what your circumstances are, these Aussie men make you having a good time.

My feet and legs jump to the rhythm as soon as “Axis Of Love” begins. This is really good. Like a sudden storm, that gives you no time to think, this grabs your inner music nerve and it is impossible to sit still. Once again Chooka proves what a skilled guitarist he is.

“The Ballad Of Hobbit Foot” is no ballad. Instead it is kind of flirty, but first of all funny, which makes me in such good mood that I laugh. I would love to see this one live. We get excellent guitarplaying, a steady bass and supporting drums. Together with the frontmans sometimes speaking voice, in this fun story, it is awesome.

A little bit different I find “Hurts Like A Mother”, with a sixty/seventies feeling, like THE DOORS. This also has to do with a typical echo from the drums, together with guitar, bass and especially Waynes way of using his voice here. I am not saying that he sounds like Jim Morrison, but the singing technique is very similar.
It first seems to be very strong in an emotional way, but then without being too much. Instead of going deeper into a low mood, DIRTY RATS deliver in their straightforward way.

I feel strengthened by the lyrics in “Boss Of Me”. The words “Stop telling me what I need…I am the boss of me” everyone can think of. Do not mess around with people, as well as do not take shit from anyone. You are the only one who knows what you need.

The only real low point is “Rat Rock”, maybe made to symbolize their kind of rockmusic. Hopefully not a way of living, because it is nowadays a chliché, but was common in this genre a long time ago. I see a bunch of men in a pub, singing “Rock ‘n’ roll and alcohol…sex appeal…” and then look at women the wrong way, so I cannot help that I get a little disturbed.

Let us quickly move on to “Rock Star”, which is totally fantastic. Some bluesrock ends the album with a nice rhythm, flirty music and funny lyrics. Nothing brings you in such good mood as this one. Brilliant musicians and a great singer, what is really noticeable here. I cannot get enough of it and have listened to this song over and over again. Maybe not their actual style, but I love it.

DIRTY RATS may not be unique, but not many in that rockgenre are these days, so it does not matter. If it is good, then it is good.
They will give you loud and old school hardrock. Perfect for a party or whenever you want to feel better.
Join these guys and their "mates", then let us go rocking in “Rat Town”. (Anna)

Bewertung:

 8 / 10

Anzahl der Songs: 13
Spielzeit: 42:55 min
Label: Self-Release
Veröffentlichungstermin: 13.12.2019