THE RUMJACKS 7” SINGLE and LIVE REVIEW

THE RUMJACKS

“BLOWS AND UNKIND WORDS/PLENTY” Double A-Side 7”

Single release from the “Sober and Godless” album

A single release in the truest sense of the word –  this has one song per side. I actually thought this was an EP . No matter, it’s great to have a good ol’ single that you can whack on and flip over. Fittingly, the energy  of the band fits the 7” format well. “A- Side” Blows and Unkind words rolls and rambles with aplomb  in The Rumjacks unique  style and take on celtic-punk (or however you want to frame it. And, they have a very Australian sound, mind). Frankie McLaughlin’s vocals drive the song, accompanied by guitar/bass drums and accentuated by accordion and mandolin.  

“B-Side” Plenty has a bit more of a straight up “rock” flavour about minus the enhancements of accordion etc, and makes its point quicker than the other side.

Package wise – the cover art is a winner. There’s no info on the band etc, but then it makes it point, if you will, solely being about the two songs. Production is punchy but not overstated, letting everything be heard within this  5 piece without  one thing being overheard on top of the other.

I got this from the merch table at the gig, and I’m not sure when it came out, but I think it was last year. You can get this with a T-Shirt package, and other merch, (including  the “Sober and Godless” album on vinyl) from the band’s facebook page.

THE RUMJACKS

5 March

Hotel Gearin, Katoomba

The support band, Bell Jar weren’t really my cup of tea, but they did put in an energetic set of accordion driven gypsy-folk.

THE RUMJACKS are one of those bands that just don’t turn in a bad show and they were on form tonight as part of a tour for the “Sober and Godless”  album launch.

I could do the research, name more songs and the band members, and hand over a detailed professional rock-journo type review. Basically though, Lead singer Frankie McLaughlin leads the band on, and they all basically put their heads down and get on with it, whilst enjoying themselves .  They play well, without being overly polished on stage with a mix of old and new songs. Highlights were The Jolly Executioner (always a standout) from “Sound as a Pound”, and new songs from “Sober and Godless”,  Blows and Unkind words,  Barred for Life, and  Sober and Godless.

Check ‘em out if they play near you.