You’ve got to give a lot of credit to the guys from Grinspoon, they have managed to keep the original lineup for the past 17 years, amongst all the trials and tribulations that come with becoming one of Australia’s great rock bands.
From drug addictions and backlash over ‘selling out’, Grinspoon have stayed strong and in Black Rabbits, have released one of their strongest albums to date.
It may not be what all the diehard fans were expecting, however it certainly doesn’t disappoint.
From the opening track and lead single “Passerby”, immediately you get the feeling that things are going to be a bit different this time round, as electronic drums take centre-stage for the first time in the band’s discography; but you soon get swept away with melodic hooks that will have you singing along in no time.
“Branded” is possibly the best track off the album. With a quick and head bopping sound, it’s one of those numbers that’s set to become an anthem at festivals and gigs. “Carry On” and “Just A Sound” slow things down a bit and strike a deeper theme, before “Emergency” offers the first real taste of the Grinners of old.
“Raise Your Glass” acts as the celebratory song at the end of the album and is again not something expected from these guys, but is easily accepted.
All in all, even though this may be a little bit of a different direction, it is in no way a bad one. The Grinspoon sound is still there and the songwriting is excellent. A great, complete record.
