Release Date: August 19th 2024. Record Label: No Groove No Good Records. Formats: DD/Vinyl
EMU: Tracklisting
1.New Age 07:39
2.Desert Phoenix 08:43
3.Sittin' Here Thinkin' 05:29
4.The Hatching 03:14
5.Once Were Gums 07:45
6.Will We Ever Learn? 08:58
Members
Guitar/ Vocals: Connor Mitchell
Bass Guitar: Alex Luhrs
Drums: Henry Bennett
Review
Emu hits with a super mass explosion of raw energy with ‘New Age’, displaying the guitar madness and voice of Connor Mitchell, the bottom end skills of Alex Luhrs, and the talents of drum master Henry Bennett. A true power trio in all aspects and combined with the retro feel, I can’t help but think of The Jimi Hendrix Experience, as a matter of fact I even hear a little ‘Crosstown Traffic’ in the song. From the six-string attack in the verses to the swirling psychedelic bridge to the killer guitar solo towards the end, Emu are here to rock and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
The follow-up and equally energetic ‘Desert Phoenix’ fires the second bolt of classic rock inspired tunes from Emu’s quiver, a bullseye no less, with infectious vocals and intricate guitar riffs that are surrounded by a vast drum sound. The back end of the song has a few time changes that bring the bass into the forefront, perhaps even louder in volume, before being joined by another vigorous guitar solo.
Track three ‘Sittin’ Here Thinkin’ is a little change in pace with a nice bluesy sound to it with soulful vocals, but still with that undeniable 70’s sound shining through. Another time change midway results in the classic blues standard, though a thousand songs have this chord progression, Emu refreshingly put their own spin on it. The way they do it reminds me of a Toad song from 1972 called ‘Tomorrow Blue’, especially when that lead guitar comes in.
The psychedelia soaked ‘Once Were Gums’ with its echoing vocal effects and blues rock sounds show a lighter side but not one of inferiority, if anything it brings out and highlights the rhythm section as well as Emu’s diversity. The bass riff walks the song along with a Santana vibe on percussion as it builds towards a powerful vocal, a bluesy solo, and wah-wah pedal overdrive.
The longest song on the album and my personal favorite ‘Will We Ever Learn’ is a mid-tempo rocker embraced by the blues and melody, which transforms into a beautiful clean guitar, accompanied with an amazing lead. The lyrics are simple yet affectionate and full of meaning, it could be a personal meaning for you when you hear it, it could mean humanity in general, either way its extremely potent. The question is, will we ever learn?
Words by Jon McGough
Links
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