Snake Bite Whisky - Black Candy album re

Snake Bite Whisky - Black Candy

Album review by; DeeDee

What is it about the Aussies? Maybe being cut off from the rest of us they developed into a different sub species, like the Marsupials that share their land. All I know is that they produce their own kind of ‘hard as nails’ rock and have done for decades, I remember being blown away by The Streaming Jets back in the late 80s, but others like Jimmy Barnes, Rose Tattoo and Midnight Oil have all influenced the current wave of Aussie Rock, that is seeing more diverse and attacking music from the continent, than ever before. So joining the list is Snake Bite Whisky, who have been around since 2014. This follow up to their 2019 debut album, ‘This Side of Hell’ came out at the end of March, the band are from Brisbane and are one of the top Sleaze/Glam bands in Australia, they have toured worldwide and despite a few changes in the line up and lead man Jay R suffering a heart attack from a blood clot, they continue to party.

The opener is called ’Thunderbird’ and just that one word brings up images of fast cars and motorcycles, alcohol and life in the fast lane. Incredible full on pedal metal and get that drum bashing from Danny, which is really solid. Definitely lives up to the title, ‘Thunderbird’ is a fast ride and over all too soon. ‘Raised In Hell’ on the other hand is a detuned slammer of a track; the vocals of Jay R are rasp laden and potent. There’s a cool guitar piece and I love the way it runs untamed. Although racy like the previous songs, ‘Creep Show’ is a dark and moody strut. The vocals are lower in places and they match the deeper riffs. The pace is relentless as the forces mix and create rather a cheesy take on any glam rock influences, with added slap in your face attitude it’s one that bites back.

Fourth up is ‘Choke’ a bass rumble from Stacii Blake and disturbing vocals by Jay, rustle up a seedy effort. Laggy on guitar adds a load of interesting sounds and this track in particular, proves that SBW have more to their bow than your average Glam Rock band. Piles of sinister and demonic effects on ‘Bones in The Fire’ continue the theme, the slower pulse and screeching guitar give this one an essence of dark Goth that attracts you in the most rapturous of ways. ‘Reload, Aim, Kill’ is a return to the faster side and this is enriched with a harsh punk kick. Probably my favourite number as I love the New York drawl and the Ramones/New York Dolls vibe. ’Sweet Cocaine’ also punches with a faster punk rock rhythm. Cheesy vocals and nonstop beating of sticks with a glorious guitar hook; it’s the perfect way to go directly into ‘Hammered’, which was the single that brought the band, a lot of well deserved attention recently. Another with low ranting, screeching guitar and slapping bass, this is how rock and roll should be played. ‘Dead By Dawn’ has an increase in slinkier tones. The messy approach is chaotic and divine, again you can hear the rock and roll influences and I like the result, almost like a jam. End of the album is ‘End Of The Line’ pumping rock and Laggy is superb on guitar. Crashing in all directions with plenty of abandoned pleasure, taking ‘Black Candy’ out on a high.

Have to love these guys; I like the rawness and sense of dangerous rock and roll that they epitomise. The album has differing themes and never fails to give off that feeling of pumped up, full on excitement; each track is a mind blowing adventure. I will certainly catch up on their back catalogue and hope they return to the UK soon. In the meantime they can be seen at the virtual Dark Malta Festival on June 5th. See below for the link.

4.5/5

Black Candy was released on the 30th of March. Engineered and mixed by Bernie Wedrat and recorded at Lush Studio’s in Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia.

Get your copy from one of these links;

https://deadpulse.com/product/snake-bite-whisky-black-candy/

https://www.snakebitewhisky.com/.../black-candy-limited...

https://open.spotify.com/album/5POrRLnjMN3vuJdWMJzAgB...

https://music.apple.com/.../snake-bite-whisky/1008536753...

Link for the Virtual Dark Malta Festival 5/6/21 - https://www.facebook.com/events/358218458850230

Band Line Up;

Jay R - Vocals

Laggy - Guitars

Stacii Blake - Bass

Danny Sharkz - Drums

Track Listing;