Lindsay Gravina has worked with some of Australia’s elite at his Birdland studio over the years including The Living End, Jebediah, Eskimo Joe and now he has worked with Society of Beggars on their latest release An EP Called Night. By right of previous successes, this EP should be nothing be gold right? Opening with the track ‘Old Haunts’, the drive and enthusiasm of the band is what will capture your attention first. Yianni Michalopoulos’s vocals at times sounds a little like a meld between Nick Cave and Tom Waits. It’s dark brooding rock that will raise the hairs on your arm.
Calibrate rolls through the computer speakers and it’s easy to get caught up in the trance of the chorus-y flanger guitar that rolls across the mix of the band so easily. The song arrangements are not overly complex and it makes the whole vibe of this EP shine through. A highly anticipated release from the band which has seen them get extensive commercial airplay. ‘Terrible Rain’ is a definite highlight on this EP that shows that local rock and roll is still big strong.
An EP Called Night is a loud and emotive listen. Rough and ready for your enjoyment, if you like your rock with a bit of balls and big rock riffs then you don’t have to look further than Society Of Beggars, I’ll be front row at their next concert, how about you?
4/5
Independent
Reviewed by Tex Miller