Review Summary: "Who's Scott Green?" The Brisbane lads known as the "Dunies" have returned for their second album, and whilst not breaking new ground, it's worth a listen.
Dune Rats are pretty simple. They’re a no ***s given, straight-forward, garage punk band who write solid, catchy tunes and don’t take themselves too seriously. It’s what they’re loved for, and they don’t try to do or be anything else. A good example of this is in their music video for “Red Light Green Light” off their self-titled debut album, where they sit down and try to rip as many cones as they can within the length of the song. Anyway, 3 years after their first album, Dune Rats are back with “The Kids Will Know It’s Bull***.”
First and foremost, I have decided not to use the lyrical content of this album as a talking point, as people who know Dune Rats would understand that their subject matters generally revolve around getting high, or at least trying to (see “Scott Green”).
This album feels like it has a more polished, more directed sound than the original, with the band having a higher degree of certainty as to what they want to sound like. Whilst songs off the debut could have people confusing them with bands like Skeggs and Hockey Dad, "The Kids Will Know It’s Bull***" is undeniably Dune Rats.
“Don’t Talk” is the first song off the album, and starts off with a grungy guitar playing the chords of the song, before being turned up to 11 as the rest of the band comes in. This is a sign of what’s to come for the listener, with most of these songs being designed to listen to LOUD.
My absolute favourite track on the record is “Demolition Derby,” having a great chorus, and an absolute banger of an instrumental after the 2nd chorus. It’s songs like this that show how Dune Rats (believe it or not) actually have some talent.
“Like Before” takes the band back to their older days, with the guitars toned down and the vibe turned up. The highlight of this track is the breakdown, where the bass really blossoms, and makes for a really interesting song overall. For me, the bass lines throughout the album are what create a point of difference for Dune Rats over all of the other up-and-coming garage punk bands in Australia.
One of my least favourite songs on the album is actually a lot of people’s favourites, and that’s “Scott Green,” the main single to come off the LP. The song is a pretty straight-forward one. The guys are looking for someone with some weed, and will do pretty much anything to get their hands on it. The track is fantastic to sing along to, which is what made it so popular, but it simply gets too repetitive. It’s not a bad track by any means, but it’s not one of their strongest.
Dune Rats are not breaking any new ground with their new record, but they’re here to have some fun. “The Kids Will Know It’s Bull***” is certainly a good time, and for added incentive, actually contains some decent songs!
Recommended Tracks:
Don’t Talk
Demolition Derby
Like Before
Counting Sheep
