With the majority of rock bands using their platforms to speak out about common world issues through blunt execution, Australian trio Dune Rats acknowledges those issues with their own amusing perspective. Their new album Real Rare Whale (BMG) was written in an effort to fight off the negativity brought on by the pandemic using rowdy feel-good tunes. With this new release, the band says, “Life is hard, but let’s have all the fun we can while we’re here.”
The record’s lighthearted spirit carries on through each track, no matter what the subject of the lyrics. While some of the themes could easily be presented in a bad light, they’re able to find joy or nostalgia in each one. ‘What A Memorable Night’ depicts the skewed recollections of a hangover through a cheerful singalong chorus, while ‘UP’ is a catchy tune about not wanting to get out of bed.
The comical-yet-sincere approach to songwriting is what gives the band their charm, yet it can also hold them back at times. The verses of ‘Dumb TV’ are reminiscent of the Blink 182 classic ‘Dammit’, which got my attention until the chorus came in. From there it gets a bit too repetitive, and while it may be a song about being a couch potato, that doesn’t make it drag on any less. On the other hand, ‘Skate Or Don’t’ uses repetition in a way that makes you want to sing along as it drives on the song’s moving energy. The brief synth melody before each chorus gives its drop the perfect punch, and is satisfying to hear every time.
The yearning ‘Space Cadet’ is about mundane activities getting in the way of big dreams. The message is presented in a humorous way with vocalist and guitarist Danny Beus pondering the unlimited possibilities of the world and then snapping back to reality. He longs about being a millionaire with his own castle among other things, only to end with “but first you gotta do the dishes” – a witty yet widely relatable turn for the song to take.
Full of fun party rock anthems, Dune Rats let it be known that they’re in this to have a good time and spread those carefree vibes to anyone who comes across them. Any one of these songs would translate well into a live setting with crowds chanting merrily along to the upbeat choruses.
Buy the album here: https://dune-rats.lnk.to/RRW
7 / 10
COLLEEN KANOWSKY