Archive for the ‘The Drones’ Category
The Drones – Havilah Review
This album sounds like Peter Garret finally grew a conscience and sired a son who knew what he was talking about. This Australian rock band is fronted by Gareth Liddiard; a sometimes angsty, sometimes whimsical vocalist who sings as if the world is ending. The sixth track, ‘Oh My’ implies this as he howls out ‘I see four horsemen riding through a cold and endless night.’ Sure it’s chilling stuff but what do you expect from a band that writes and records in the isolation of the Victorian countryside. At least it’s delivered up with some profound feeling, the lyrics read like poetry and it’s a better offer than the usual Australian Idol fare.
I first saw this band late at night from the comfort of my couch. They were a few acts in for a Kev Carmody tribute concert. It wasn’t only the song, (River of Tears) that grabbed me, not even the haunting feeling it evoked. It was all Gareth Liddiard and his voice won me over. This album was guaranteed to be good, their 2005 album, Wait Long by the River and the Bodies of Your Enemies Will Float by, won the Australian Music Prize in 2006 after all. Havilah has much of the same feeling behind it, an undercurrent of anger, fear, and darkness wrapped up in lyrics that can only be expressed by heavy Australian twang. The seventh track, ‘Cold and Sober’ is a ballad that demonstrates how power and gloom can combine to create something that will have you nodding your head in recognition of an emotion you can only half remember.
Some say they are an 80’s rock band transported into the future with their weighty rock riffs and references to Heinz Baked beans. I don’t. I have been listening to this album for the past few hours and still haven’t figured it out. It’s complicated yet simple, it has beautiful yet violent melodies and you have to marvel at the lyrics, it’s like reading melancholy poetry you can actually enjoy. To read more about The Drones check out their site www.thedrones.com.au
