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RhubarbStart Again Toupee/MGM Rhubarb have bounded their way through a fair collection of genres in their half-dozen or so years of existence. Beginning with the retro electronic sound of Zero (winning Triple J's Unearthed competition in Brisbane) they then received copious airplay with the catchy pop-punk inspired Exerciser. Their second album 'Slow Motion' was packed with skilfully chilled indie guitar music. However, I guess that, like myself, Rhubarb had reached their threshold for slow, beautiful, boring music too. Enter the aptly titled 'Start Again', as Rhubarb step up and crank out music with renewed life and energy, and for my money I'd happily proclaim that the opening half is the best Australian rock album of the year. From the opening guitars of Accident, Rhubarb make it clear that they are back with attitude and a new passion for straight-out rock. The title track is a brilliant example of melody and rock mixed in perfect proportions with hooks aplenty. The sheer catchiness of the indie guitar rock glory of City Life is reminiscent of Ash's '1977' heyday. Apart from the aural spectacle of the aforementioned song, it is also backed up with cool repeated lyrics such as "maybe you'll die, looking for the city life," which vocalist Steve Drinkall snarls at the suckers running the rat race. The horns of Let You Down add an interesting touch, but the funky breakdown feels a bit forced. Unfortunately, towards the end of the album Rhubarb seem to run out of puff, evidenced by the throwaway pop of Puertorican B. I guess when you begin an album with such scorching rock numbers, its tough to keep producing such outstanding songs (Jet and The Vines can't manage an album full of gold, so why should we expect it of Rhubarb?). Thankfully, the likeable rock of Feet On The Ground brings the average of the song quality back up again. At the end of the day, 'Start Again' sees Rhubarb delivering some of the most urgent and captivating rock songs released so far this year.  |
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