Rock and roll is not dead and rock and roll does not need a savior. As much as some would love to write its epitaph, it is and will always be a viable art form. Admittedly, as the availability of quality rock bands continues to diminish, I could see how one could make this conclusion. You're not going to find it at the center of the dial. Rock radio has regressed to the point where its playlists are filled with artists that were either popular years ago (AC/DC, Metallica, GNR), or who sound like they could have been popular years ago (Hello Nickelback). Similarly, you'll have a hard time finding it at the left of the dial. Rock 'N' Roll simply isn't that sexy these days. Now, ask yourself, how often do my favorite websites and blogs go absolutely nutso over the latest rock releases? Rarely ever? Never?

Rock and roll is not dead and The Drones did not walk through the Australian outback promising to be its savior. However, should you listen to Live at the Spaceland and come to this conclusion on your own, then I wouldn't spend too much time arguing against your point. They are one of those rare rock bands these days who are able to satisfy critics and mesmerize audiences with their dangerous, mind-bending performances. This 10 song set, recorded this past November in LA, draws from their two US releases, 2006's Gala Mill, and 2005's Wait Long By The River And The Bodies of Your Enemies Will Float By, as well as some cuts from earlier albums released in their native Australia.

To many, Sharkfin Blues is quintessential Drones. Drawing heavily on Australia's outlaw history, as well as classic literary tales of the sea, it alternates between simmer and burn, then simmer and scorching burns, punctuated by frequent and ravenous guitar solos.

The big-riff blues of Six Ways To Sunday date back to the early days of The Drones, and it fits in quite well with their more recent output. Bassist Fiona Kitschin and drummer Mike Noga pound out a standard blues rhythm that is transformed into anything but standard by the manic ramblings produced by vocalist/guitarist Gareth Liddiard and guitarist Rui Pererira.

Dog Eared features the softer side of The Drones, if such a statement is even possible. Liddiard has accurately described this one as "Sentimental, but in a nasty way," As you should come to expect with the Drones, even emotionally, downtrodden ballads require the occasional squelchy, static blasts from the six string.

Posted in Uncategorized | by BillRocksCleveland | No Comments »
Tagged as Indie Rock, Rock