(Firestarter)

Putting the British pedigree on a pedestal

“Here grab hold of my kebab, Steve / I’ll have it after I’ve finished him off / No, you can’t have a bite”, stammers out Manchester expat Sean Regan, leaving me dumbfounded, wondering whether progressive lad punk rock is something I will ever be ready for. Following the relative success of their 2009 debut EP, Firestorm, the Perth-based band are back with a second EP which, although not as artistically well-realised as their first, still has some of the same elements: social commentary, catchy riffs and singing about being a tough lad from the UK. It’s a pop-punk sound rooted in Brits like The Clash and The Libertines, with a wealth of Aussie pubs yet to explore. But it all gets a bit stereotypical by the time you hit the fourth track, in which Steve is left holding Sean’s appetising souvlakia. Had I been Steve, I would have told Sean that having a British pedigree doesn’t necessarily equate to great songwriting. And I would have had a bite of that kebab, too.

ALICE REZENDE

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:*