Fremantle trio Eskimo Joe have dropped their sixth album Wastelands, a crowd-funded effort that moves away from the alt-rock genre of their previous hits.
The group have redefined their sound on the new album after dropping their record label in 2012 and making this album with the help of producer Burke Reid. The record features extensive use of electronic sounds and synths that would make for a perfect summer festival set.
Single “Got What You Need” is a pretty clear indication of what the rest of the album entails with a punchy chorus and bouncy rhythm that are easy to sing along to.
Unfortunately, as a result of the extensive use of synth throughout the album and lead singer Kav Temperley’s distinct vocal sound, the tracks on the album can tend to flow into one another and end up sounding all the same.
While some are more upbeat than others and would be perfect in a live setting, as a package Wastelands is very same-same.
Lyrically, there doesn’t appear to be much of a theme. Instead, the tracks on the record are interesting if they were to stand alone, but on the whole the record lacks direction and any kind of emotive feeling. It’s easy listening but there’s not really a lot going on.
Fans of Eskimo Joe may be disappointed if the change is not what they were expecting, and the ten tracks on this album lend more towards successful singles than a whole record.
