The Living End – I Only Trust Rock n Roll (BMG) (13th Floor Album Review)
The Living End have dropped their latest release I Only Trust Rock N Roll after an eight year gap. Inspired by being on the ground near the turbulent LA George Floyd riots, The Australian punk trio have aimed to recapture the sound and attitude heard on their debut.
The once dubbed ‘50s-rockabilly-meets-punk-rock’ are still going years later. Like many bands of that era (and style), they’ve become a huge staple of the Aussie classic rock elite. The last time I saw them was opening for Jimmy Barnes (on the bill right after The Angels – how more Australian can you get?!). But, I digress, I have fond memories of listening to The Living End in my teens.
And, that’s what they’re aiming for. This is boasted as a return to the politically charged punk rock that they were turning out when they first emerged to the world, giving that middle finger to authority. And, it’s the first album in eight years.
But, you’ve all heard this story before. It’s a common trope. *Insert band here* opts for simplicity to get back to their nostalgic sound. As a punk rock fan, I’ve heard this countless times.
So, what’s it like? Yep, it’s The Living End. Not having actively listened to them for years, it feels as though nothing has really changed. You can tell it’s Chris Cheney playing guitar (and probably a Gretsch White Falcon – for all of you guitar nerds out there!). His voice has aged slightly, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The double bass sound is identical to what has come before, and the drums have a decent, punky punch.
That leads to a lot of familiarity. Most songs could nestle their way easily in the first two studio albums without the common listener batting an eyelid. On my first listen, I could have easily told you I was listening to their 2000 masterpiece, Roll On. What’s more is that I am absolutely convinced that the lead break in …Public Holiday is the same melody as the solo of one of their previous singles.
In fact, it was only four songs in on Private Hell that Facebook was mentioned and I was snapped out of the early noughties, having to remind myself that this was a new album. The Living End still have agendas and political ideas, but with some many outlets for political expression, punk rock isn’t quite the channel it was 25 years ago.
I suppose that’s the problem with punk acts, they’re often trying to put a foot back in that familiar ground to try and win back the early fan base. However, that fan base has grown up, had kids and moved to the suburbs! It’s hard for those listeners to jump on the political themes when you’re busy getting the kids out the door for their 10am fixture rugby against MSP and Alfie just won’t get his boots on in time!
Interest rates get a mention in Strange Place, and that’s topical, yes. But, it doesn’t hit the mark as a punk song (not that I don’t agree with that particular issue!).
There’s some catchy songwriting in there (Gypsy Blood is a great example of this) , and the overall quality of the performance is decent. Possibly a little too much effort has gone into recreating what was popular in the past.
The closer and title track,I Only Trust Rock N Roll, tells us the old statement in this horrible world, he’s got something to trust (over politicians and religion, really?!). It’s a bit dated and as a result, is one the weaker songs on this outing.
Overall, I enjoyed the album. If you remember them from 25 years ago, it will be like stepping back in time. Some of the writing is a tad antiquated, and current political themes don’t give as much impact from a guy stepping into his fifties. But it’s an album with heart and passion. And, I think at these Strange Times, it’s what we need.
Daniel Edmonds
I Only Trust Rock n Roll is out now on BMG
