Datsuns new album
New Zealand isn’t just about sun, sea and sand, there are actually some really good bands hailing from this far away land. One such band is hard rock/garage punk Datsuns. They have been around for a while now, breaking out with the Millennium and going steady ever since. With the recent self-produced fourth album ‘Head Stunts’, the first recorded with new drummer Ben Cole, and a UK tour taking place this very month, what has the new album got in store.
The opener ‘Human Error’ is an electric two-minute plunge into the deep dark souls of Datsuns and is just the beginning of something special. As ‘Hey, Paranoid People! (What’s in your head)’ is unveiled, a similar electric beta pulsates through a listener, however there is underpinning synths at work. ‘Your Bones’ is an intriguing anthem that works wonders on a listener. It seems as though so much energy and creativity has gone it to the depths of this song, the harmonies may be solid but also subtle. The electric solo was unnecessary to make it a success. ‘Cruel Cruel Fate’ has a sing-a-long chorus that will get even the quietest of listeners piping up. The interactions of shuddering music and combined vocal harmonies are remarkable.
‘Yeah, Yeah, Just another mistake’ is the type of loud, exciting and powerful tune that could open the stage for the Datsuns in any location and cause a hefty shriek from the fans. This is followed by the tune to make the perfect encore to a gig’. ‘Eye of the Needle’ has a subtle introduction and vocals that build and cause a manic beat. ‘Pity Pity Please’ is probably the darkest and most aggressive tune I found the album to include. With the hammering and rolling drums, distorted vocals and powerfulness this tune hits out full-force and would make the perfect conclusion at a gig..
At times it seems as though the electric solo guitar segments of the tunes are overly powerful, especially when returning for practically every tune. On ‘So Long’ and ‘High School Hoodlums’ for example, there is an excellent fast paced rhythm going full swing, when the guitar kicks in it gets excessively ear piercing and actually defeats the reaction and enjoyment I found in the songs.
‘Headstunts’ is going to see the Datsuns plunging into hidden depths.