I first saw Horace Bones perform at a house party in Kensington about a year or two ago and since then have kept my eye on them, so I’m super bloody excited that they finally have a full-length release out.
From the opening track ‘Don’t Come Around Here’ the listener is introduced to the most pressing theme of Terra, racial vilification within Australia, an issue currently garnering widespread attention.
‘Native Flowers’ gives off a very old school Australian punk vibe with its sharp riff reminding me of ‘The Birthday Party’ and a huge chant of a chorus that would get any pub crowd singing. Oisin Kelly has one of the most unique voices in the Melbourne punk scene at the moment and I feel this is really highlighted in ‘The Butcher’s Boy’ which is reminiscent of a more frantic Garreth Liddiard.
‘Not From Around Here’ is a ripper track but an incredibly interesting single to introduce the album. Juxtaposing poetry with simmering industrial riffs droning in the background creates a really interesting dynamic and is something I’d love to see the lads explore more in the future, especially considering it doesn’t drop its witt or meaning with the powerful line “Maybe it’s time to admit that your ancestor was probably a cunt” resonating in my mind for days after my first listen.
‘Thank You’ is the stand out for me due to how weird it is for a punk song, it’s so refreshing to see bands taking a genuine chance with their music and it pays off. Listening to Terra is now your homework for the weekend.
5/5
Thirds Music
Reviewed by Alex Callan
