AIRBOURNE: Hard Rock…Like it Never Left the 70s, in a Box

Posted on 14th November 2017

Title: Diamond Cuts

Label: Nettwerk

Think AC/DC and you’ve basically got this Aussie rock band in one. With a bit of Rose Tattoo thrown in for good measure. The band’s debut Runnin’ Wild appeared in 2007 but the band members love – and I mean love – 70s-era hard rock. Hence, their comparatively recent debut release glows with a sepia-tinged rocking rhythm. It’s classic stuff and any hard rock fans will adore it for its ‘no fuss’ attitude.

Their next album, No Guts. No Glory. (2010), extended the macho rock element with plenty of muscle-bound, beer swilling, babe hunting grooves, following the template of the debut to the letter and, I have to admit, sounding all the better for it. Black Dog Barking (2013) continued not to surprise and followed the simpler rocking themes. The music continued on its comfortable path but never became tired. The band’s passion and energy for their muse remained unbounded which made the experience a wholly enjoyable one.

Now the band can be heard in all of their hair flailing glory in this box set, celebrating 10 years of hard rockin’. The set includes their debut, No Guts. No Glory., Black Dog Barking, a new B-Sides album called Diamond Cuts – The B-Sides plus a new documentary DVD. Incidentally, that B-Sides album features two previously unavailable tracks: Money and Heavy Weight Lover. Bonus material includes a previously unreleased and unseen documentary DVD of the band, It’s All for Rock n’ Roll, all present in a sturdy pizza-style box.

In terms of mastering, I wouldn’t say that the mastering is particularly insightful or that clarity is especially impressive although that might be down to the original sources and the recording processes. There’s nothing wrong, though. No midrange brightness or bass bloom. Mastering is solid. Like the band. And the music.

AIRBOURNE

Paul Rigby

I’ve been a journalist and editor for 35 years and still retain my good humour. Who’d have thought? I have worked within a range of industries, writing for hundreds of national magazines and newspapers in the UK, Europe and the USA covering: aviation, music, computer technology, computer gaming, hi-fi, mobile technology, home automation, lady’s lifestyle, plastic model making, antiques and more. I currently write for national magazines in the subjects of business, music, hi-fi and general technology.

2 Comments

Paul Leonard

19th November 2017 at 6:59 pm

Not being a rocker by nature, more of punk/indie and alternative kind of person with some Motorhead thrown in (mid 70s onwards),, BUT just listened to these on Spotty and thoroughly enjoyed my time in their company, it must be said. Some of the lyrics are a bit, well, dodgy though. I could envisage myself with my head in the bass bin, down the front, giving myself concussion and auditioning for a neck brace. Fun.

Music is a strange beast that weaves its spells in the most strangest of ways.