There’s not a band on Australia’s Big Time label I haven’t found worthwhile. As they’re really bluesy and slow-paced, these guys are a little hard to get into. Still, this is some of the coolest garage rock-blues around, and even a bit psychedelic at times. Not as psycho as SHOCKABILLY or as rockin’ as PANTHER BURNS, but still good if you’re in the right mood.
The A-side is OK power-pop in the better sense of the term, but the flip is more up-tempo and harder. Both are in a ’60s vein, with great choruses, sharp lead guitars, cool structures, and an occasional harmonica. Plus one of the members looks exactly like Brian Jones from the STONES. Unreal!
There are a couple of pop clunkers on here, but most of the GURUS’ songs are fairly powerful in a style combining T. REX and SAINTS influences. Like many Oz bands, they’ve adopted that earlier ’70s punkoid guitar sound, but lay it over somewhat poppier song structures. At least one person we know thinks that the GURUS are God!
Textbook definition of what a great single is. Once you hear the chorus, you’ve got a friend for life. 2:48 of pure pop pleasure for saps like me. Why isn’t this a hit??!!
Very good pop/punk with ’60s undertones, not unlike the SAINTS’ second LP, occasional horns and all. Rocks pretty good, as do most Australian bands in this genre.
All originals this time, and way toned down from all previous releases. I guess the kids are growing up, and production and fancy arrangements take over. Too bad.
Their debut U.S. album, which includes all the tracks on the Aussie 12″ as well as the “Girl in the Sweater” 45. Fans of pop-punk should snap this baby up!
I admit the thought of a RAMONES cover/tribute band sounds like a good idea, but this Australian configuration made up of some bigger bands there like the SAINTS and PAUL KELLY, doesn’t kick as hard as it should — so you end up with a limp shadow of the RAMONES.
This is a comp of their first two 7″ EPs released by a new LA affiliate of this cool Australian label. In my opinion, they’re one of the hottest R’n’B, rock ’n’ roll, neo-’60s, psych-pop bands in the world (next to the NOMADS)…and the best from Australia since RADIO BIRDMAN, whose influence is felt here. It’s hard to pick a fave track, but “Can’t Wait Too Long” and “Slave Girl” are hot with great hooks.
There’s something downright pure and mystical about the straight-ahead, no-frills rock that originates in Australia, and this thoroughly powerhouse slab of vinyl by the NEW CHRISTS amply demonstrates that magic. Both tracks display forceful, ringing guitar plowing over an amazingly propulsive rhythm section that creates a wailing, detonating attack. A perfect loud and crunching record that even humbles the SAINTS, the LIME SPIDERS, or anything else of that sort.
A collection from ’82 — ’85, this is a fine example of their garage, grunge, sixties, noise approach. A good sampler for those without.
Excellent release that crosses post-punk with ’60s psych in a modern powerful way. Reminds a bit of fellow Australians LIME SPIDERS, and with this debut US release (this label will be presenting a lot of Aussie bands to the US) the SPIKES will make their mark.
The second release by these guys before their debut album once again has a tough, hard-edge rock sound that recalls bands like the CELIBATE RIFLES, RADIO BIRDMAN, and early SAINTS. Nothing too earth-shattering, just heavy sounding guitars melded with layered melodies.
Seems like the TURBINES are a one-way proposition; either you love ’em or hate ’em. Myself, I could listen to their twangy, garbage-can guitar tunes over and over. Kind of like if you drained the sleaze off the CRAMPS.
