Posted by These prolific Australians are hard to keep up with, the snappily titled Flight b741 is their latest album and their 26th in 12 years – with 5 released in 2017 and 2022 respectively! Their restless energy and vigorous work ethic makes Joe Bonamassa look positively slovenly in comparison. The prog metal of PetroDragonic Apocalypse and the synth driven electronica of The Silver Cord (both 2023) has been eschewed in favour of foot tapping, 60s and 70s inspired classic rock.
They continue to traverse genres with gleeful abandon and Flight b741 is the most fun I have had with them since the punchy thrash metal of Infest The Rats Nest (2019). First single ‘Le Risque’ introduces you to the happy go lucky charms of the new record, in a taut, Steely Dan like ode to taking chances in life. As does the lively ‘Hog Calling Contest’, with it’s bubbly guitar and jaunty drum beat set to bonkers lyrics about pigs taking flight. Vintage style rock is the aim of the game, with a generous serving of hooks and gizzard weirdness. The third single ‘Field of Vision’ is the most infectious, a Doobie Brothers style bop with the parting refrain “I’m being a silly billy” firmly lodged in my head.
The soft and warm production sits nicely with the bluesy, analogue rock n roll. ‘Sad Pilot’ is another Steely Dan sounding song, with a nostalgic riff and some sweet harmonies juxtaposed with a tale of someone’s life going to pot. The Rolling Stones is another reference point, with the polar bear loving ‘Antarctica’ a slice of boogie woogie rock steeped in the Stones. The title track with its lush melodies, smooth vocal harmonies and touch of psychedelica brings to mind the Fab Four. ‘Daily Blues’ ends the record ends on a high – it’s a CCR tasting slice of swamp rock extolling the virtues of peace and warning against blind faith.
Flight b741 is a cracking record of retro rock with some great hooks, warm production values and inventive lyrics, if you haven’t listened to them yet, get on it.
9/10
Lofty Music and Film 