The latest release from Australia’s favourite adopted Japanese punk rockers Mach Pelican is great. No, it’s better than great. It’s perfect! Simple as that. And if you were lucky enough to catch them during their quick visit last month, you’ll probably recognise a bunch of the songs. ‘Pulsate To The Back Beat’ has all the ingredients of a good, old fashioned punk rock album. Great songs, fast beats, catchy choruses, guest vocalists, soccer hooligans and a cartoon drawing of the band on the cover. What more could you ask for?

Perhaps the best thing about ‘Pulsate To The Back Beat’ is the variety. I admit to being just a little apprehensive at first, expecting more of the same fast tempo three chord songs we’ve grown to love. On the contrary, Mach Pelican deliver an extremely diverse range of tracks, and even incorporate girl singers and a string arrangement. After an amusing intro, the disc opens with the upbeat Arthur & John, which will no doubt be played over and over on the car stereo as you drive to any show, complete with car full of friends singing along. Stand out track Tokyo pays homage to the best things about the boys’ hometown that they miss, with an awesome verse of Japanese lyrics thrown in. Then there’s Malibu Beach which sounds like it’s been pulled straight out of one of those cool old surfer movies. The last track Poisoned Letter features guest vocals from members of Melbourne all-girl outfit The Spazzys, who add some excellent harmonies to an already perfect track.

‘Pulsate To The Back Beat’ seems to just burst at the seams with energy and good old fashioned rock'n'roll simplicity. But it works amazingly well, so who am I to complain?

Ryan Smith

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