The Drones - As dangerous as an Australian croc with a hango
Red on Black | Cardiff | 06/15/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The first time I heard the Drones was not an auspicious start. A singer belting out a cover of Neil Young's "Cortez the Killer" in an Australian accent which frankly showed no signs or desire to ever be in tune. It was punctuated by bouts of such mental guitar solos that a straightjacket awaited. That said there must have been something about it that struck a chord even today in a hilarious way it was strangely compelling. When next I heard the Drones and the anthem "Shark Fin Blues" I was hooked (sic). Since then other songs like the fiery Dekalb Blues and River of Tears have been in the CD so much they ought to play rent.
I must admit with the terrific exception of Nick Cave and the greatly underrated "Triffids" bands from Oz usually having me running for the door (with apologies to our colonial cousins). Think Midnight Oil, Icehouse, the Little River band all of whom were crimes perpetrated on humanity. The Vines were great but after "Highly Evolved" completely imploded (Nirvana could have litigated if truth be told)
The Drones might well be the real thing. They certainly are one of the filthiest, dirtiest and raw rock bands since Captain Beefheart or the Stones. Kings of Leon should listen to Halivah it might get then back on track from becoming U2 with a southern twang. Take the first track "Nail it Down". Its starts with a guitar coda which develops over nearly seven minutes. Verses are spit out in the Oz accent by lead singer/guitarist Gareth Liddiard in a hymn to tough love as he warns that
"All storms still stir
Behind a big sea wall
What's the point of something that you can't recall?
Give it time, give it time
It'll go to rack and ruin
And you'll lose your mind
You'll either learn to swim then
Or you'll be left behind"
Next up is a bona fide classic "The Minotaur". The song is not so much sung as snarled and is nastier than an British MP's allowances. I suppose the riff could be traced somewhere to a Green on Red album but the song itself is unique. Dirty and sinister are again the key words with the lyrics touching on subjects as varied as watching porn and Halo 11 (thats in one verse). It is "Smells like Teen Spirit" for the noughties and The Drones could be huge on the back of this alone. The pace then slows considerably for "I'm a supercargo" which could have fitted in "Tonight's the Night" it's that raw. ditto "Cold and Sober". Other standouts include the acoustic sing-along "Your acting like it's the end of the world" the brooding "Penumbra" and the rockier and wordy "Oh my".
It is about time that a band like the Drones emerged. Rock music has become a bit smug and safe of late not least of all the wretched new Killers album, Kings of Leon losing the plot and a host of bands who all sound like the Editors. The Drones are more punk and raw in spirit and much more interesting. The album does remind me in a small way of Nirvana's "In Utero" which is a huge compliment.
Don't take my word check out the You tube versions they do of "River of Tears" or "the Minotaur" if you want to get a flavour of the brilliant Drones. Then buy Havilah for potentially one of the most exciting rock bands currently on terra firma and get your kids to learn the electric guitar from its chords whilst annoying your neighbours. Truly this is sparkling stuff albeit with a dark and sinister heart. It must be good since my son has described it as "rad"; high praise indeed. Thanks to "Havilah" the memory of Men at Work is forever banished!"
