Spreading like wildfire to the mainland, the Tasmanian punk rockers are back with a sophomore record that’s packed with anthemic, Aussie sounds. Encompassing a raw and unharnessed talent fronted by Tyler Richardson, who boasts distinct lyrics and an alluring local accent, the band have crammed 11 tracks of volatile punk music together in By A Thread, utilising changes in pace but not losing its melodic subtleties.
‘K.D.R’ opens the album with Richardson proclaiming, “You haven’t given in, it’s all on the up, you’re finally living, you’re finally living” as kinetic energy pelts from Tom Busby’s guitar.
There’s a real determination and charm to the tempo of the individual tracks, with each song compacting its own tale built on love, love lost, relationships, and late nights spent with mates. ‘Benthos’ is distinguished by Danny Flood’s driving snare drum and intricate fills, hinting at a not so happy-go-lucky perspective that the rest of the tracks take on.
‘Borders And Statelines’ oozes an amazing meld of warm fuzz – a euphoric guitar riff that is as hypnotic as Richardson’s raspy delights. The track changes direction and intensity, and defines the iconic sound Brasi have developed over recent years.
Other notable songs on the album are ‘Death Rattle’ with its epic build up and awe-inspiring emotional close, ‘Western Junction’ gives a glimmer into the quieter lives of four guys who appear to never stop smiling, and ‘One Set Of Rules’ provides the more angsty outlook on life.
Attributed by the formidable force of The Godfather character behind their name, Luca Brasi are about to launch into new horizons. One thing’s for sure – Richardson and his kinsmen expose the musical goodness of Tassie’s east coast.
Listen to ‘Borders And Statelines’ from By A Thread here: