Even from across Bass Strait, Luca Brasi can be heard nailing the abrasiveness of commercial punk rock to a tee. While their third LP is noticeably cleaner than the hard-hitting punk bands of Melbourne, the Tasmanian unit are sure to feel the force of punk rock popularity in no time.
Opening track, Aeroplane, smashes in with a single hard-hitting drumbeat, as if the band are saying ‘we’re back’. It’s the first sign of Luca Brasi’s sheer determination and commitment to this record. Say It Back is perfect for punters that want to scream out a catchy chorus, and the gritty guitar riff creates the mould for some mammoth head banging action.
Spin and Collapse induces the sensation of its title, featuring a zigzagging guitar tone backed by a belting drumbeat and some insane cymbal trickery. Treading Water brings in the depth of lost love and lingering perfume, hidden beneath a burst of violent vocals, whereas The Cascade Blues buries the worries of “wasted youth” under an unforgiving, forceful arrangement.
Drop Out sees the four-piece graduate from being just another punk band to a group with dynamic production, diverse lyrical content and a never-say-die drum work. Man, This Is Living is a slower burning number, giving listeners a lingering taste with lines like, “Open up your chest / Steady, straight and breathing / not yet laid to rest”.
Anything Near Conviction is a ticking, tightly produced track with more of an alternative sound than a punk rock punch. And closing up with Count Me Out, Luca Brasi have made sure listeners will want nothing more than to be a part of this record.
BY PHOEBE ROBERTSON
