Project Description
THE LIVING END
WUNDERBAR
(Album Review)
Reviewer: Amy Smith
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It has been nearly 25 years since The Living End first exploded on the Aussie rock scene with their ferocious punk energy and left of centre songwriting. To this day they remain a highly respected staple in the Aussie music industry, despite copping criticism from jaded long-term fans for entering radio-rock territory over the course of their career. The Living End have always experimented and made efforts to grow and evolve with each album release. While their approach has not always gelled with everyone over the years, you cannot fault them for being a consistently good band. Album number 8, Wunderbar, is their strongest offering over this decade, so let go of any pre-conceived notions you may have about the band and give Wunderbar a listen!
While there some tunes that remain radio friendly – Don’t Lose It, Drop The Needle, The Living End have also managed to compose tunes that capture the energy and ferocity of their youth – Death of the American Dream, Proton Pill, featuring hooks, twists and turns that make them an interesting listen. Guitar aficionados will be disappointed to learn that there is a decrease in the typical Cheney shredding solos included on this album. However, there are plenty of satisfying song writing nuggets that get stuck in your head and instantly give you the urge to sing along. Lyrical content on this album covers the bands personal and social views – Not Like the Other Boys, The Otherside, Love Won’t Wait and politically charged material – Death of the American Dream, Wake Up the Vampires, Rat in a Trap.
Shaking things up (new environment, new producer, new writing process) has done wonders for the band and this release. It is clear that The Living End have taken a very organic approach, culminating in capturing the raw energy and sounds on record. The Living End have grown as musicians and album number 8 offers a nice balance of elements gained over their long career, which is sure to satisfy new and long-term fans alike. WUNDERBAR!
WUNDERBAR IS OUT WORLD WIDE VIA BMG ON SEPTEMBER 28
THE LIVING END
WUNDERBAR
Tracklist
1. Don’t Lose It
2. Not Like The Other Boys
3. Otherside
4. Death Of The American Dream
5. Drop The Needle
6. Love Won’t Wait
7. Proton Pill
8. Amsterdam
9. Too Young To Die
10. Wake Up The Vampires
11. Rat In A Trap
THE LIVING END WUNDERBAR TOUR
Presented by Crucial Music, Village Sounds & Triple M (with special guests West Thebarton)
November 1 – The Tivoli, Brisbane, QLD
November 2 – The Enmore, Sydney, NSW
November 3 – The Forum, Melbourne, VIC
November 9 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide, SA
November 10 – Metropolis, Fremantle, WA
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