Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
Riff Raiders, Independent, 2020.
I’ve found the perfect musical pick-me-up for these times of self-isolation.
Melbourne champions of Auzzie pub-rock, Riff Raiders, have released their latest album, Rock N Roll Daydream at just the right time to help us get back on our feet – albeit still within the confines of our living rooms.
The album is a high energy blast of guitar driven power pop/rock and it’s a reminder of everything that is good about the Australian live music scene.
The band is comprised of front woman Jenni Powell on vocals, Marty Powell (lead guitarist, producer and songwriter), Ross Hetherington (drums), Josh King (guitar and backing vocals) and Ron E. Smith on bass.
So far three singles have been released – the double A-sided Best Day Ever/Loaded Gun and the latest single, Samantha Jones.
Samantha Jones tells the true story of the lengths that the real Samantha Jones went to to return a copy of Rock N Roll Daydream that she found on a train to its rightful owner.
If you haven’t heard Riff Raiders, then I suggest that you do yourself a favour and give this album a listen.
Their gigs have become legendary in Melbourne and this album captures the raw energy of their live performances, which is not an easy task to achieve in a studio recording.
One listen will tell you that what Riff Raiders do is uniquely Australian.
Rock N Roll Daydream has distilled the essence of all the great Australian pub rock bands of the past and seamlessly blended a new and subtle drop that is particularly enticing.
There’s power riffs built over solid bass lines and pounding rhythms with just a hint of the good oil(s) but there’s also great melodies and really catchy choruses.
There’s a dynamism that comes from the successful blending of the best from many different bands and genres into a product that is greater than the sum of its parts.
The three singles are fantastic but there is no down time on this album. It is one big party from start to finish and mightily impressive.
There have been a number of great Australian albums released in recent months and Rock N Roll Daydream is one of them.
Out now from: smarturl.it/rocknrolldaydream
