(Etch N Sketch/Inertia)

Fourth full-lengther from NZ’s hypo-rock superstars

The Datsuns were caught up in the NME’s early noughties infatuation with all things Australasian, hyped as the future of rock & roll alongside Jet and The Vines. After a well-received and kick-ass debut album, things went slightly pear-shaped with the more bloated, John Paul Jones-produced follow-up Outta Sight Outta Mind. Fortunately, 2006’s Smoke & Mirrors, while less commercially successful, saw the group recapture some of the early magic, which continues and is expanded upon on their excellent new album Headstunts. Getting straight to business with the blistering opening track Human Error, the group also has a good go at melodic ‘60s rock & roll in Ready Set Go!, which wouldn’t have been out of place on the black and white telly pop programme of similar  name. There are the usual throwaway-but-fun schoolyard chants set to beefy pub rock (High School Hoodlums), but the darkened psychedelia of Eye Of The Needle and prog leanings of closer Somebody Better shows a group exploring new musical directions, possibly helped along by the drafting of new drummer Ben Cole. No-frills rock & roll is again at the centre of Headstunts, but the album also showcases a truly rejuvenated band.

***½  

MATT THROWER

Be first to comment on this article

Write Comment
Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Poster's IP addresses are logged.
Name:
Comment:
Code:*