State of Emergency,
Living End, TheDespite actually being around 18 months old now, this record is finally getting a UK release in time for the band's Reading/Leeds appearances. Absolutely massive in their Oz homeland, it has always surprised me the band haven't made more of an impact worldwide - after all, 'Roll On' is a fantastic record and the band's live shows are utterly chaotic and always enjoyable. Oh, and the fact there's been some right drivel selling millions of records in recent years, but since when did justice ever guarantee you a hit record?
Anyway, if you've liked The Living End in the past, then you'll love this album too. They're one of those bands that have refused to change over the years, never buckling to a passing trend. They just play fast and furious, catchy punk rock. It's no frills stuff, just rock solid singalong tunes. And sometimes that's all you need in a band. Infact Chris Cheney's guitar licks are often as complex as this band get - never a showoff, but always the showman, his solos take this band into superstar territory. The stand-up bass lines add something a little different too, so while Cheney's vocals give the songs a raucous edge, the buzzing bass parts add that extra 'x' factor anyway.
'Wake Up' is one of the best pop-punk songs of the century, 'Long Live The Weekend' is a real thumper of a tune, while even the band's slower moments, such as the enigmatic 'Nothing Lasts Forever', remain positive and melodic. The short way of writing this review would be to say 'buy it', but I don't think the guys at Deck Cheese would have got value for money from their promo CD. However, I will end on the same note - forget my ramblings and just get this CD...
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