If you find yourself at shows every weekend in Melbourne and enjoy getting amongst the heaving crowds and sweat drenched venues that we love so very much, there’s no doubt you’ve heard of local heroes Damn Terran . They’re a three-piece that never let up on their relentless displays of energy, spearheaded by Lachlan Ewbank who you may recognise as the guy who has a wardrobe of Metz t-shirts that just don’t quit.
Their self-titled album does a great job of capturing their live spirit. Each song really makes a statement, leading your limbs rushing to crank up the volume to try and squeeze out every extra bit of raw energy through your preferred choice of listening gear.
Ali Edmonds ’ vocals works well with Lachlan’s, particularly in songs like ‘ Lost ’ and ‘ Rebels ’ that also contain killer riffs and rhythms backed up by Leigh Ewbank ’s powerful drumming.
It’s also great to hear the songs varying enough to keep the listener engaged. As each song has its own personality there’s no point where you second-guess what you’re listening to. ‘ Simon’s Song ’ has an introduction that would sit well as the intro to a great flick, hell, even some off-the-wall movie with cars driving down the highway, or even better; why not in the next Need For Speed game? ‘ A Killer ’ carries a snotty skater punk vibe, which would sit well alongside a Dune Rats or DZ Deathrays extravaganza of aural delights.
The production on this album really shines, filling out frequencies and ensuring nothing but force comes through. This is especially evident in classic Damn Terran tunes like ‘ Pills ’ that happily gets stuck in your head with pleasure akin to the lyrics spurting out in newer effort ‘Burlesque Dancer ’.
The quality of song structure is also strong on the album, extended instrumental introductions that could stand alone as solid tracks really get you pumped for what’s coming next. To hear a tune like ‘ Uncanny Valley ’ live could well be one of the stand out tracks you’ll see this year.
This is where the album really makes it point. Be it as it may, Damn Terran is a beast that simply needs to be witnessed live. The album screams through and hypes you up for their live show, which certainly lives up to expectation. Yet with such energetic music you better be ready for a ride, cause this self-titled album isn’t going to hold your hand through the experience – it’s going to toss you right into the middle of the pit, covered in sweat and beer, and you’re going to love every minute of it.
WORDS BY Jacobo Arenas Gonzalez
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