I was afraid that
this would be another AC/DC clone rock band from Australia, but with 100 % ROCK
as label it's also what Babyjane delivers on this debut album. They stands for a
simple and straight forward rock n' roll with influences of Skid Row, Guns n'
Roses, Aerosmith and maybe some Kiss in a few tracks, but with more of a sleazy
pub rock touch.
First up is the title track on the album and my godness what a punch I got in
the solar plexus! "Are You Listening" really got me awake and got me in with
full attention already from the first time listening. "Give It All Up" is a more
aggressive track where the singer Andy Smith really shows us what a great front
man he is, with an amazing worn and rough vocal it's gives Babyjane the unique
sound they need in this genre.
My personal goldpiece on this album is: "Town Called Sinner Stone" which is a more
dark track than the earlier songs and it's liberating with good guitar playing
from John Gerasolo. "Twenty Too Many" is a sleazy dirty track with a great
dialogue between the leading and the backing vocals. "Miss Scorpio" is a hard
rock piece in almost heavy metal tempo and the playing joy shines through on
this one. In "Four Rusted Egos" the tempo is calmer and the closest to a ballad
I could find on the album.
The closing track Tell Me (What I Need To Know) is a mix of punk and rock n' roll
and is the only song on "Are You Listening" that they could have left as an idea in the rehearsal
studio.
Overall, this is a varied and a enjoyable album to play over and over again.
With this strong debut album in the back, I will look forward to the next album
which is scheduled in mid-2012.
My favourite tracks: Town Called Sinner Stone, Are You Listening, Li'l Gutters
and Can You Keep A Secret?
