Power Supply unveil debut album, 'In the Time of the Sabre-toothed Tiger'.
Considering the last six years have seen me cover 80 per cent of the album’s that Mikey Young produces, I’m a little bit embarrassed that I slept on the debut Power Supply album.
With the group comprised of Mikey Young (Eddy Current Suppression Ring, Total Control), Richard Stanley (Drug Sweat), Per Bystorm (Voice Imitator) and Leon Stackpole (The Sailors), In the Time of the Sabre-toothed Tiger feels like an album that you go into knowing what to expect – after all, Power Supply is somewhat of a supergroup of Melbourne’s bohemian punk scene.
This is why it came as quite a surprise to hear such a drastic change-up from the member’s previous work.
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Delving into the realm of folk-based rock with tinges of rockabilly at times, In the Time of the Sabre-toothed Tiger finds itself closer aligned towards groups like The Violent Femmes or The Velvet Underground. With the cadence of Stackpole’s vocals providing a slack-jawed nature, it at times almost feels as if certain lyrics are sporadically improvised or penned as free-flowing thoughts. It provides an earnest quality, with songs like ‘Let’s Do This and Let’s Do That’ feeling reminiscent of the conversational yet slurred delivery of The Fall’s Mark E. Smith.
Considering my love for groups like Gonzo and Gang of Four, ‘PS3’ was always going to be a standout. Its twangy guitars and driving snare patterns feel perfect for a bustling live setting. As does ‘Infinity’ and ’90’ and title track ‘In the Time of the Sabre-toothed Tiger’, although for different reasons. Acting as an almost Planet Caravan inspired middle point, it’s meandering and building nature experiments with more psychedelic soundscapes that would be mesmerising to see.
Having been a month since In the Time of the Sabre-toothed Tiger, it’s still a little early to see the impact that it will have. But once festivals are back in full swing, I can see Power Supply becoming an instant crowd favourite.
In the Time of the Sabre-toothed Tiger is out now through Anti Fade in Australia and Goner in the USA. Purchase it on Bandcamp here or stream it below.
