Think Australian music stars and your brain won’t take you much further than the princess of pop, the incredibly tiny Kylie. How long have we in Britain had to face the stream of Aussie soap stars flying over to abuse our eardrums? However, the home of Neighbours is actually capable of producing decent music as well. The kings of punk rock in the southern hemisphere are undoubtedly Frenzal Rhomb. ‘Sans Souci’ is the band’s third release for Fat, and sees them sticking to the phrase, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix itâ€.
One glance at the track listing is enough to make you realise that Frenzal Rhomb have lost none of their humour, or ability to over use expletives. The band play a brand of punk rock that has strong Australian roots, but that would be equally at home originating from California. Humour, and fast-paced songs have become the band’s trademark and they won’t disappoint their fans with this release.
Frenzal Rhomb may have a hint of Blink in some of their more juvenile humour, but on the whole, they are capable of being genuinely funny, which is quite a rare trait these days. ‘Russell Crowe’s Band’ gives a good indication of what is to come, with what could become a legendary chorus: “Even if we never get a billboard top ten hit – at least we know Russell Crowe’s band’s a fucking pile of shit.â€
Where the band really excel is their ability to combine their joker side with some very good song writing. Yes, the songs may be nothing more than your traditional three-chord affairs, but they are infectious and very likable. Sub-three minute anthems abound on this album and tracks like ‘Bucket Bong’ and ‘Greyhound’ will have you both smiling and jumping around like an escaped mental patient.
If you like infectious, fast and funny punk rock then you will love ‘Sans Souci’. It is half an hour of Australia’s finest export doing what they do best – namely entertaining their fans, and this is why they are such a highly rated live band. This album is not original in the slightest, but sometimes you don’t want originality, you just want a set of songs that will put a smile on your face. My advice: enjoy summer the Australian way, a pint of fosters in one hand and this on your stereo.
Mark