By The Lazys already have a few releases under their belt back in their native Australia, but now they’re releasing their first “international” album, which contains a couple of previously released tracks along with new material. Following a well received showcase at Canadian Music Week back in May, the band made a lot of connections in the Great White North, including producer Garth Richardson and members of The Trews, with whom they wrote the punk-ish Hard Luck, and Ian D’Sa of Billy Talent, who co-wrote the album’s first single, the furiously catchy Shake It Like You Mean It. (In fact, they’ve got so many Canadian partners on that track that it qualifies for Canadian content under CANCON!)
The band’s music is a ferocious blend of working man rock (think AC/DC) with a healthy dose of punk and a dash of blues. Their songs carry big sing-along choruses, and guitar riffs that are meant to be played loud. While the music doesn’t re-invent anything, you can’t fault the songwriting nor the musicianship. But most importantly, it’s a lot of fun. The aforementioned Shake It Like You Mean It should light up rock radios across the country with its infectious chorus, and the rest of the album holds quite a few potential singles.
Compared to their live set, the album is a little tamer but it’s also more precise and more mindful of the details. Songs like Let You Down and Love Sick Boy show the band in a more subdued and introspective mood, while Punk Come N Get Me or Hard Luck have a definite punk vibe. The band at times recalls AC/DC and some of the bluesier hard rock bands of the 80’s, but they definitely have their own voice. They’re not copying anyone.
If you don’t like rock, this album won’t change your mind. But if you do like rock, this album will make you realize that it’s been a long time since a band has come on the scene with songs that are that much fun. Thumbs up for The Lazys.
The album is out now! You can also read my review of their show with The Trews, or my interview with singer Leon Harrison.
He's also a regular contributor at the excellent news site Montreal Rampage
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