The Datsuns have definitely changed since I last heard them. Back around 2006, they were a hard rock group, supporting bands like Metallica and Shihad. Over the last five years, they’ve been experimenting more with electronics and are now leaning towards the shoegaze side of rock, evident on Deep Sleep.
One thing hasn’t changed – their riffs and solos still get the blood pumpin’, like on the opening track, Caught in the Silver. The track starts quietly, featuring mostly bass with a little heavily-whammied guitar, which continues through the verse before exploding into a face-slapping chorus. It’s a solid start to the album and by the end, you’re ready for more.
The single, Bad Taste, has a catchy riff and an almost danceable drum beat. There’s a trance-like quality to the guitar here which really adds to the video clip they released for it. It’s all kinds of great. In a few words? Stop-motion food. Go watch it, I’ll wait.
Third song Claw Machine boasts a very ‘70s-esque bass line topped with a catchy guitar riff. If the last song didn’t have you moving, this will. Next up is Shaky Mirrors, a track more indicative of their older works. And like the last two songs, it’ll get you pumped.
500 Eyes is shoegaze, veering almost into Tame Impala territory. The track goes on a little too long for my taste. Luckily, That’s What You Get comes along and jerks you right out of whatever weird stupor 500 Eyes might have put you in. Like Shaky Mirrors it’s more reminiscent of previous albums; upbeat and hard-hitting.
This is the part of the album that all starts blurring together. Creature of the Week sounds a lot like the first few songs. Looking Glass Lies is fun, but nothing unusual. The next track is Sun in My Eyes, another ‘70s-style song. Not bad, just nothing special. Deep Sleep is very aptly named, it’s boring as hell.
They’ve clearly evolved as a band, trying new sounds while still maintaining what makes them them. On the whole though, there isn’t enough diversity on here for it to be an album I’d play on repeat.
BY CASSIE HEDGER
Best Track: Shaky Mirrors
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: TAME IMPALA, THE VINES, THE HORRORS
In A Word: Whammy
