THE NOVOCAINES

Idle Time
Ampersonic/MGM

The Novocaines have been frequenting the Perth gig scene for about five years now, chucking out a few EPs and slamming out the shows. So there was a collective sigh of relief from band and fans at the beginning of November when the band released their fittingly titled debut full-length, Idle Time.

The tunes are dirty, reckless and raw, yet structurally well-formed. The beauty of The Novocaines is that though each song is stylistically sound, they don’t take on that boring polished sheen that many rock bands tend to lean towards these days.

First two tracks Trampled Hearts and Summer Waiting are sure to go far, with colossal riffs and excellent lyricism and rocking arrangements. Space is Closer than America is a definite standout. Unlike any other song on the record, this tune shows off Corey Marriott’s vocal ability and is a spectacularly bluesy ‘70s rock influenced tune that proves these boys are true musicians. All the Action Wants is classic garage grunge with great lyrics, such as “Feels like we’re living in a B-grade sitcom, You always leave me on a bad cliff hanger.”

The album evokes mixed emotions, from wanting to grab a beer and get your head-mosh on, to sitting in a smoke-filled room and just feeling the music, man.

For those of you asking where all the rock and roll has gone, it’s right here.

_CHLOE PAPAS