Band: Airbourne
Release: Black Dog Barking (Album)
Release Date: 20/05/2013
You would think that a band with a very specific style and genre such as Airbourne – by the time the third album comes around – you’d be getting quite bored of it. But when you turn on ‘Black Dog Barking’ you realise that you have never been so wrong in your life. The irresistible wail coming from the depths of Joel O’Keeffe vocal chords and the strangling guitar licks from David Roads and Joel combined wrap themselves around you as you say to yourself “fuck man, I could never get tired of this.”
As soon as that first note plays in ‘Ready To Rock’ you’re instantly flung into a whirlwind of rasping, raucous rock n roll that sets you on the edge of your seat. This track may well be the rock n roll national anthem of 2013 with its catchy lyrics and sing along “woahs”. When those words yell out from your speakers “are you ready to rock” the initial reaction is to stand up and scream “hell fucking yes!” and through the next nine songs, that is simply all you get.
Kicking into a blissful whirlwind of trudging, grumbling beats and roaring guitars, Airbourne show their wild side with ‘Animalize’. With Joel’s guttural vocals creeping through your speakers, this electrifying, head banging track is bound to get every tongue wet and thirsty for some more pure rock n roll satisfaction. By the time ‘No One Fits Me (Better Than You)’ comes on, your already in Rock N Roll heaven.
‘Live It Up’ was the band’s first single off the album and for one good reason. Its fiery groove is motivating to any party lover to get up and have a good time. ‘Firepower’ is one another party anthem on this album that puts you in this mood.
If you’re one for the gym and you’re looking for the perfect cross trainer music, ‘Back In The Game’ is the only track you need to shred pounds. It’s powerful and hard hitting lyrics make you feel like you’re king of the world when you sing along to this track.
Arguably the strongest track on the album is ‘Woman Like That’ which is just so Airbourne. There’s no other way of describing it. Album title ‘Black Dog Barking’ is the last song to appear on the album and it leaves you feeling completely lost for words. The only feeling you get when this infectiously fun track ends is “I want more.”
This is an album that will never get old. Airbourne are a timeless act who can now say that in their ten years as a band, have achieved three phenomenal albums and ‘Black Dog Barking’ is a diamond waiting to shine on that grand arena stage. This is it; this is the rock n roll album of the year. An undeniably ferocious and fantastic album that if you have ears, you’ll enjoy. Enough of this jibber jabber, go pre-order this album now! It’s more than worth it.
10/10
Reviewer: Louisa Smith
