A real fucking rock record, finally! The Stoneage Hearts give this reviewer's ears a much needed break with their dirty, fuzz-fi 60s garage sound. They're Australian and so of course they tip their guitars to Radio Birdman, but TSH has more tricks up their sleeve. It's a glorious rampage through psychedelic garage pop, echoing The Standells, Moving Sidewalks, and The Music Machine at least. They can tear it up with harmonicas and runs up the bass neck, or they can croon choruses to make the Moody Blues jealous. They untether the guitars at the right moments and open up the fuzz like a six-pack of cheap beer. This trio knows their Pebbles and Nuggets collections and play music that is more than homage. They close with a top-notch rendition of The Creation's classic "Biff Bang Pow."
This new album features DOM MARIANI (THE STEMS/DM3) on guitar/vocals plus Dom`s killer songwriting!! A welcome return to DOM`s garage rock roots, so it`s no surprise the album sounds like THE STEMS circa 1985 and , in part, early DM3, as well --- plus elements of THE REAL KIDS, THE ANIMALS, THE SONICS & THE CREATION!! As with their previous release, song-after-song is filled with passion and an irreverant spirit that makes it a good, loud blast of early Sunday morning music---at least the kind of Sunday Morning music here at Not Lame! Aussie garage pop done as only Australians can do! "The Stoneage Hearts have always been special, but now they`re better than ever because living legend Dom Mariani has joined the fold as singer, guitarist and songwriter, providing their sound with an extra kick in the pants. Rounded out by vocalist and bassist Ian Wettenhall and drummer Mickster, whose talents also know no limits, the new and improved version of this red hot Australian band has really delivered a masterstroke of an album in the form of "Guilty As Sin." Each number on the disc slips, slides and sizzles with care and commitment. Nailing the snarling garage punk edge of The Electric Prunes to a soul-studded power pop philosophy, The Stoneage Hearts strut their stuff to maximum effect on cuts like "Green With Envy," "Someone Else`s Bubblegum," "Your Greed" and "Rock N Roll Boys Rock N Roll Girls." Shouting harmonies, bolstered by juicy melodies and hammering rhythms are encountered everywhere on the album. An impressive display of energy and stamina graces "Guilty As Sin," leaving little time for one to catch their breath between tracks. The disc closes with a choice cover of The Creation`s "Biff Bang Pow," which suits the swinging attitude and approach of The Stoneage Hearts all too well. "-TwistAndShake. Extremely Highly Recommended!
Track Listings
1. Eye of a Lie
2. Your Smile
3. Green With Envy
4. Fussy Garbos
5. Trouble Girl
6. Rock'n'roll Boys & Rock'n'roll Girls
7. Your Greed
8. I'm for You
9. Get Down
10. Sick of You
11. Biff Bang Pow
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