ALBUM OF THE WEEK

Dune Rats have arrived, and they’re a force to be reckoned with.

As we speak, Brisbane natives Dune Rats (or ‘Dunies’, as their mob of enthusiasts endearingly prefer to call them) are emerging as a veritable force to be reckoned with.

Recorded in little over a week, Dune Rats’ self-titled debut is a testament to the trio’s growth as artists, translating prolonged potential into a revolving door of high-energy fuzz rock.

Sonically, the album picks up where the Smile EP left off. Opener ‘Dalai Lama Big Banana Marijuana’ is an instant garage pop crossover hit. The song is repetitive and consistent like a steamroller, both dynamically and melodically, quickly asserting itself as one of the record’s standouts.

‘Funny Guy’ finds the band hitting its stride, complete with a smooth rolling bassline, solid drumming and energetic vocals that wreak havoc over the top of it all with the catchy cry, “Why you gotta lie all the time?!

‘Home’sick’ and ‘Et’ continue in the same vein, and while ‘Lola’ floats along, ‘Blind’ gathers back the momentum, raising the album up on its haunches.

Indie/stoner pop/surf rock – whatever the classification may be, it’s clear this record will be the soundtrack to which you’ll sink some tinnies while basking in the sunlight of your mate’s veggie garden.

4.5/5.

Dune Rats will be released on June 1 through Ratbag / Warner.

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