"Of all the up-and-coming bands these days with the slightly retro focus and rowdy mixtures of punk, metal, and glam (and there are loads of them), the Datsuns may have the best chance of breaking out of the early glut. While this debut is not groundbreaking in any way, the Datsuns are fun to listen to and show real potential. The album starts out rather predictably with conventional retro rock workouts, faltering a bit with the clumsy "Harmonic Generator." But with the fifth track things suddenly get much more interesting, as the Datsuns show their surprisingly deft jam band tendencies. There is real potential in the powerful rave-up "What Would I Know," while unexpectedly funky grooves break out in "Fink for the Man" and "Freeze Sucker." Meanwhile "In Love" reveals a sly T.Rex influence from beneath the hubbub. The only weakness in the Datsuns sound is Dolf's vocals, which show little independent thought or style. He imitates a variety of classic punk and metal singers, alternating among Iggy Pop, Mick Jagger, Axl Rose, and even Bon Scott in successive tracks. Apart from the vast need for improvement in the vocal department, if the Datsuns grow beyond the need to fit into current trends and learn to maximize their evident musical abilities, they may deliver something groundbreaking in the future. [~doomsdayer520~]"
Sittin Pretty.
John Randerson | Wellington, New Zealand | 03/07/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Well, I don't live in America, I live in New Zealand, which is where these guys come from.
I've seen them play live 3 times now, and believe everything you've heard about their live shows, they are [absolutely] amazing! Which is what they do best play live, I view the CD as just a way familiarie yourself for the live show.
It's a really good though, which was produced to give it the live feel. It's the kind of CD that you can listen to every track.The stand outs in my opinion would be:
sittin pretty
MF from Hell
Lady
Harmonic Generator (the best on the CD)
Fink for the man (close second, damn close...)
and In LoveThey got their big break when the White Stripes played in NZ and were diggin' the Datsuns and got them to open all their shows and tour with them in the States, so they've got some cred. and then NME and Britain went crazy for them and next thing you know, they playing at the Brats, and winning best live band over such prestigious competition as the Hives and the Vines.So if you like hard rock, 70's style, then buy this! buy it now! if you like all the current "it" bands like the "the" bands you are guaranteed to like it.
Peace.one more thing. Sick riffs... amazing..."
Wicked +
soap | New Zealand | 10/23/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The second I pressed play on this cd I was assaulted with a huge battalion of sound. This (to me) is a sign of a cd I'm goin to listen to for a while. While I do agree with some people when they say that the drums are quite weak most of the time and the vocals leave much to be desired, the important thing is that this cd may very well make your nana explode if played loud enough"
MF from hell
soap | 07/19/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I have seen the Datsuns twice live, both time in small venues, and they are definitely one of the hardest rocking bands I have ever seen (and I have seen hunderds of bands). They were so good the first time I saw them that I just had to go back to see them again just to get the sheer pleasure of seeing a great rock and roll band giving all they have got on stage. Sadly, it is true that this recording does not quite capture their live sound, as often happens with great live bands such as the MC5 (that is why I am only giving four stars). Having said that, some songs on the CD come pretty close (e.g., Freeze Sucker, which is the highlight of their live shows). Live, the three guys in the front play like MFs from hell. The only weak link in the band appears to be the drummer. Although he is not a bad player at all, he seems to be lacking in power, which also shows on the CD. Overall, however, I strongly recommend this CD. And you MUST see them live!!"
Honest and Passionate
Daniel R Mahseredjian | Caracas, Venezuela | 03/22/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I lived in Venezuela and I guess I was lucky enough to see this band a few days ago at HOB in New Orleans. With just an audience of around 50 or less, this young guys burned out Decatur St. What a wonderful show! There's an attitude that certain young bands have, which reflects the passion for what they believe is the heart of their proposal in the musical world. That's the case of The Datsuns. So it's rock, guitar riffs, simple arrangements...with the attitude of bands that, (assuming they can keep those strengths long enough) can reach extraordinary success. So do not hesitate if you want to hear The Datsuns, and try to catch them while only 50 persons go to their shows."