The Living End return with their second album of rockabilly style punk rock, and return with a better album than their inconsistent first effort.
Having grown in stature, ‘Roll On’ is a much more accomplished effort than their debut album, and cements Australia’s favourite sons as one of the best bands to come from Down Under.
Opener, and first single, ‘Roll On’ is a decent enough start, with the Living End using their trademark catchy hooks to reel the listener in. There’s no doubting the band are big Clash fans, and this influence is very obvious throughout the album, although not in a way that seriously affects its performance.
With a dirtier production than their first offering, The Living End give a sense of fun that their live shows are renowned for. ‘Astoria Paranoia’ and ‘Carry Me Home’ are punk anthems-in-waiting, and ‘Uncle Harry,’ (who appears to be ‘pissing in the bath!!??’) is another great song.
There is however, nothing that sticks out as much as their most well-known hit, ‘Prisoner Of Society,’ a live version of which appears on this CD. The tracks at times are also quite diverse, and although some people might not find this a problem, I like bands that have a style and who stick to that sound (within reason, obviously.)
A good second album, not brilliant, but solid enough to check out.
Paul Savage