PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Tequila Mockingbyrd, an Australian three piece hard rock band released their debut album; ‘Fight And Flight’ via Off Yer Rocka on 24th March 2017 in the UK, alongside lead track ‘I Smell Rock N Roll’. If you’ve got their debut EP T Byrds Are Go then you’ll already be familiar with some of the tracks as they also make it onto this album.
The Melbournians {perhaps they were Neighbours! (Sorry couldn’t resist!)} have been touring relentlessly since they formed in 2012 and were on the line-up for the Aussie Wrecking Crew tour late last year with fellow countrymen Massive and Black Aces and more recently with Swedish label mates Bonafide. Thirteen tracks, unlucky for some would this be an unlucky thirteen or would it rise to the occasion like a Bakers Dozen? After seeing them live twice and being suitably impressed I was hoping it would be the latter and I wasn’t disappointed. A few observations.
The Opening track I Smell Rock n Roll immediately grabs you by the proverbials with hard hitting drums and powerful vocals think something along the lines of Black Out in the Red Room by Love/Hate meets Torando by The Senton Bombs. Never Go Home had me thinking of Deep Six by Marilyn Manson in places. Money Tree with it’s strong bass line reminded me of The Senton Bombs’ Tornado again. Everyone Down a punky number with a Bullets and Octane meets Green Day vibe Pirates Hitchin’ A Ride? Catalyst more of ska punk meets reggae feel.
This Ain’t Dead has an acoustic start, the guitars taking on a harp like quality with the strings sounding like they are being plucked leading into a slow bass drum beat and heartfelt vocals, had me thinking of a slowed down Black Velvet by Alannah Myles. Then the tempo was upped for the rousing Somebody Put Something in My Drink Ramones cover.
Why Are We Still Friends will probably ring a poignant bell with those who are still friends with their ex on social media. You really want to delete and block them from you life but don’t want to look like a jealous bunny boiler on Facebook! This one eminded me of Notions by Part Time Pilots and I stick with the Part Time Pilots vibe for Jagerbomb this time I’m thinking of I Came Here To Hit Some Body.
We end on a good note with a Good Time which had me thinking of older, classic rock tunes like Gimme Some Lovin‘ by The Spencer Davis Group and My Sharona by The Knack and whilst it’s a good end to the album it’s more of a bittersweet song with the chorus ‘You’re here for a good time, not here for a long time, and the sad thing is I’m here because you are’
Fight and Flight has lots of different elements from ska to punk and reggae to classic rock to keep you hooked from start to finish. Throw in some great riffs and perceptive lyrics. Lick the salt, slam a bit of Tequila Mockingbyrd on your turntable, suck a lime let all the flavours sink in and enjoy the experience!
Highlight Tracks: I Smell Rock n Roll and Jagerbomb
Track List:
1: I Smell Rock n Roll
2: Never Go Home
3: Money Tree
4: Catalyst
5: Half of the Man
6: So Not Me
7: Everyone Down
8: This Ain’t Dead
9: Somebody Put Something in My Drink (Ramones cover)
10: Why Are We Still Friends
11: Jagerbomb
12: Shut Me Down
13: Good Time
Band Members:
Estelle Artois – Vocals/Guitar
Jess O’Riley – Bass
Josie O’Toole – Drums
- £11.08
