In the 3 years since that 2003 release my enthusiasm, I regret to say, had wained. I didn't listen to Shine On - it just didn't have a single that grabbed me - and from the sales figures, it seems I wasn't alone.
A further 3 years on (that's now - 2009!!) and we find ourselves presented with Shaka Rock. What should we make of the third release from the Aussie band?
Well... it's ok. The good tracks are very good; they remind me why I liked the band's first album and how good some rock bands can be. The not so good songs are entirely forgettable.
The album kicks off well with some faux-ACDC stylings on KIA (Killed in Action) and then drops the level down a bit channeling the Clash on Beat on Repeat.
By far the best song on the album is She's A Genius. A true "turn that up" track with driving bass and guitar riffs, a singable chorus line and entirely head-bangable.
On other tracks, such as Black Hearts and Let Me Out, singer Nic Cestor loses some of the tonality and edge in his voice - not something the band can afford to do as there simply aren't enough hooks on the album to get you completely on their side.
My advice is to enjoy the highs and put up with the lows. There are definitely a few tracks on here worth listening to. Their next album will be make or break though. With 3.5m of their 4m record sales to date coming from their first effort - they need to do something to break back in before they're left out in the cold for good.
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3 Stars
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