Melbourne’s Money For Rope will release their self-titled debut long player on November 9 through Thornbury Records. That means, as of right now you have but 12 sleeps until you experience the very tasty morsels on offer.
This record is as classy as it is greasy. And when I say greasy I don't mean the grease that's left on the bus or train windows after peak hour commuter snoozing or the slimy appearance of an unfortunate pubescent with overly active sweat glands. I'm talking about the black grease that makes an engine purr, the thick molasses coloured grease you find in the cool recesses of a garage on a hot day, the type into which you wanna plunge your hands deep, just because you can.
Album opener "Common Man" has a dirty groove that wouldn't be out of place in a film about a southern bordello. It's god awful sexy and anything but "common". There ain't that many sexy men about to do justice to this ironically titled song.
For a slick -o -licious taste of rhythm and vox, track two "Been In The Wars" teams a chorus that contains the first six notes of Neil Young’s Hey Hey My My with a funky groove that slides around the impeccable vox. I'd be up for a dirtier production value on the guitar solo but that's probably more to do with my love for "Live Rust" than anything else.
It's the Scooby Doo ending surprise style hook changes in "You'll Be Gone" that make it a winner. Each time it happens it leaves behind bit of joy in the back of your throat that you want to swallow like an elixir. Lyrically, the song is not so comforting. Not sure if the middle eight rant is supposed to be a homage to The Butcher Shop? Unlike The Butcher Shop's " Hard For You", there is no menace or toughness about it to balance the creep factor.
First single from the album "Ten Times" provides some light relief at just the right time, following on from the darkness of "You'll Be Gone" and "Misery Lane." This track comes bursting out of the barricades and gallops with the refrain that everyone would like to hear at least once " You're ten times as hot as the sun." Love it.
"Hang 'Em High" is the perfect articulation of a frenzied studio sesh where a coupla beers have been consumed, and the ensuing adrenaline from the hops and the playing launches the song into an infectious and manic assault equivalent to popping gum on your aural taste buds.
This is an album Money For Rope should be v. proud of. Great tunes, and startlingly brilliant music arrangements that showcase the two drum kits, two guitars, the bass and four voices with a whole lot of class.
If these guys stick to their formula and build on it without becoming too obtuse as a means to acquiring maturity, they will continue to slide along a path to greatness. It's only just begun...
Like any band worth their salt, Money For Rope are awesome live. The boys will play two special shows kicking off in Geelong on November 30 followed by a HUGE launch at the Ding Dong Lounge on Saturday December 1 with Fraser A Gorman & Big Harvest and Mother & Son.
FRIDAY 30TH NOVEMBER Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong with Fraser A Gorman & Big Harvest and Mother & Son Tickets $10 at the door, doors open 8.30pm
SATURDAY 1ST DECEMBER Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne with Fraser A Gorman & Big Harvest and Mother & Son Tickets $12 + booking fee, $15 at the door, doors open 8pm
