Arcane Saints
In the Shade of the Juniper
Independent
Out Now
Review by Rod Whitfield
An often difficult combination to attain for a band is to write and deliver good, fun rock music but that has a message to it as well, but that’s what this Melbourne based four piece have achieved on this, their new six track EP.
These guys ain’t re-inventing any wheels with their sound, but that’s hardly the point. They write vital, kick arse rock and roll music, delivered with exuberance and passion, that gets you a-movin’ and a-groovin’ and singing along. And some of those lyrics that you are singing are also quite thought provoking too, especially on Faith of the Faithless, with its political, religious and environmental inferences. It’s good to hear a fun-times rock n roll band singing about something a little deeper than chicks and partying.
There is some nice variety going on across the six tunes too, this isn’t just one dimensional rock. From the ballsy all out rock of Faith of the Faithless, there is also the more grunge orientated Streetlights and Symphonies. And then there is the quiet, minimalistic Cellophane Eyes, which is quite beautiful, and shows a more sensitive side to the voice of frontman Michael John, who is normally giving his absolute all. See You in the Summertime finishes things off in slightly more bluesy style, that bursts into a full throttle chorus.
All up, a ripping effort from these boys. Get your hands on ‘In the Shade of the Juniper’ if you like any kind of catchy, high energy rock.
