The inevitable comparisons to AC/DC will forever be a hindrance to this band. Maligned for their similarity with Australia’s biggest export and with its two feet firmly entrenched in the ‘Young’ school of rock, Airbourne can’t deny where their roots lay. However if you can look past the comparison, a world of debaucherous sleaze filled rock awaits.
“Ready To Rock” has the fists pumping high to start the party and with its anthemic ‘Whoah’ gang vocals, all that awaits is the packed out stadium, the black t-shirt and a speaker stack to give the track its justice.
“No One Fits Me (Better Than You)” and “Woman Like That” supply the light hearted moments as the Warrnambool lads take up the chase of the opposite sex. Certainly, not the strongest of lyrics ensue; “’Lights a flashing she can cuff me all day/cause blondes with big guns are always more fun’”, but the fervour cannot be deterred.
Upon hearing the first few notes of the album’s recent single “Live It Up’, the AC/DC-esque traits are clear. The intro to the song (sadly missing on the music video) with the guitar lick and the background noise of a kamikaze pilot crashing is incredibly powerful. A highlight of the album but perhaps a lowlight at the same time such are the stunning similarities.
The title track has that familiar pulsating beat that just makes you want to tap your feet as does “Jack Attack” with Joel O’Keeffe straining the vocal chords to its fullest. That O’Keeffe plays lead guitar and has the ability to crank out some great solos as well as be the voice of Airbourne is no mean feat.
If you can forge past the resemblance an endless keg of frothy Australiana awaits. Whilst this album isn’t their best material overall, it’s still worth the price of admission. Crank it high, wind down your window and let loose your inner bogan. Airbourne may borrow a legends trait but you can’t falter their enthusiasm.
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