Feelin Kinda Free
by The Drones (AU)

From meccalecca TOP 100 COMMENTER 03/22/2016 21:56 | #162366 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

[Maniacal Aussie rock]

SOUNDS LIKE
A stressed out drunk Australian slurring his grievances


It starts with a noisy 30 second eruption, embraces a brief gasp for breath, and then unloads again. A deep roaring bass and slow smash of the drum kit sets the foundation while the vocals and guitars present an unnerving bit of chaos. As Gareth Liddiard pleas for a free private execution, the furious noise of the guitars could potentially let loose at any given moment. “Private Execution” is a demanding re-introduction to one of Australia’s finest rock bands, and everything that makes them tick.

The tension continues on “Tamad Shud”, which has a dance pop vibe in the type of way Deerhoof does it. Less dense and threatening than the lead track, it unassumingly becomes more and more demanding as the pace gradually increases, and open space constricts.

A shift occurs with “Then They Came For Me”. It begins minimally, relieving some of the preceding tensions. Over the plodding bass and drums, Liddiard sounds relatively relaxed and reflective. Waves of guitars sweep through occasionally. Over the course of the song, that sense of relaxation gives way to frustration. Everything comes crashing together, no longer speaking with predictability.

It gives way to scorned ballad, “To Think I Once Loved You,” a genuinely biting tale of broken heartedness. Opening with a transitional electronic hum, “Tailwind” follows with further contemplation. It’s an exploration of the aftermath of prior devastation. The song ends with an odd little aching piano and organ.

“Boredom” restores the energy, delivering the closest thing to an infectious Drones pop song. It’s virtually new jack swing, highlighted by Liddiard’s paranoid political rants. On “Sometimes” Fiona Kitschin takes the lead, singing the dreamy ballad about witness protection. Liddiard returns to front the powerful finale “Shut Down SETI” which builds its way towards a loud cataclysmic end.

Following their tremendous 2013 release I See Seaweed, The Drones sound even more ambitious on Feelin Kinda Free. Gareth Liddiard remains a central focus with his volatile vocal presence which often commands with an air of “Shut the fuck up! I’ve got something to say!” And he does have something to say. Liddiard holds nothing back, setting sight on his targets and then unloading with the unhinged attack that makes The Drones such a rare presence. While it’s not the conventional fast paced three chord rock we often think of with punk, this is punk rock as it should be. The Drones are dynamic, noisy, impassioned, and threatening in all of the right ways.

FAVORITE SONGS
Boredom, Shut Down SETI, Tailwind

The lyrics and flow on "Taman Shud", and "Boredom" are so awesome and catchy!

Favorite tracks: Taman Shud,Boredom

B+