The phrase ‘We can’t stop here, this is bat country,’ is typically evocative of both Avenged Sevenfold’s well-known song that goes by the same name – or, more classically and the origin of the phrase, the line uttered by Hunter S Thompson’s protagonist in Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas. Now, oddly enough, the phrase can also be associated with the incessantly catchy pop-rock produced by Australian act Short Stack.
The phrase ‘We can’t stop here, this is bat country,’ is typically evocative of both Avenged Sevenfold’s well-known song that goes by the same name – or, more classically and the origin of the phrase, the line uttered by Hunter S Thompson’s protagonist in Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas. Now, oddly enough, the phrase can also be associated with the incessantly catchy pop-rock produced by Australian act Short Stack.
The band’s sophomore effort This Is Bat Country is a collection of lively pop-rock numbers and rock-driven ballads about obsessive love and girls that apparently utterly fascinate singer and guitarist Shaun Diviney. That is not to suggest, though, that the lyrics are corny and one-dimensional; although still relatable enough to suit the pop-rock style of the band, they are delivered in a slightly obscure fashion that leaves something to the imagination.
This Is Bat Country contrasts rockier tracks like Are You Afraid Of The Dark? and guitar-driven numbers such as Jack The Ripper with softer ballads such as Werewolves and Ruby Red. One thing that remains invariable across all tracks, however, is Short Stack’s incredible ability to create hooks that compel you to sing along.
The album’s second track Planets was a wisely chosen as the first single to be lifted from the record, and its memorable guitar lines and poppy melodies are representative of the release as a whole. The rockier Are You Afraid Of The Dark? is defined by its chorus’ line which is called out by group vocals. The second single to be released, We Dance To A Different Disco, Honey – a party song featuring catchy synths, group vocals and a constant driving beat – is undoubtedly the most infectious and hooky song on the album. Wendy and Nothing At All, especially during their choruses, are peculiarly mnemonic of Robbie William’s anthems.
The softer songs on the record are often included as hidden tracks, positioned in between some of the faster paced tracks and adding an intriguing element. Between We Dance To A Different Disco, Honey and Heartbreak Made Me A Killer lies the short and strange hidden track The Mercury. Similarly, Jack The Ripper and Die Young are separated by the heartfelt acoustic song Sweet Emergency. Occasionally, on such tracks as Die Young, Diviney’s attempts to sound vocally ‘edgy’ can sound absurd; and instead it is these hidden tracks that flatter his voice. Throughout the album, the three-piece also employ string sounds to enhance the rhythm section, and piano to embellish their softer pieces.
Like them or not, it’s difficult to contest the fact that Short Stack are good at what they do. If you’re after an easy to listen to pop-rock album that will rotate around in your head for days, This Is Bat Country is for you.
