Congratulations to Renee Hermansen and Stephen Fairbank. They’re the lucky winners of a copy of Juke Kartel’s new album Levolution. Keep an eye on your mail box guys, because the CDs will be heading your way really soon.
I’ve been listening to my copy this morning, and it’s really good stuff which takes me back to the golden age of rock. You know what I mean; the kind of music that makes you want to put your lighters in the air and pound your fists in time with the beat.
I was initially concerned that the disc may sound a bit pieced together, with tracks from previous album Nowhere Left to Hide sitting alongside newer material. Instead it just allows Juke Kartel to showcase their very best material, making it a great introduction for anyone that wasn’t familiar with their music.
I must admit, I only knew bits and pieces myself. When “Save Me” started though I cranked it up, remembering how much it revved me a few years ago. How wonderful to hear it still sounding fresh after all this time.
A lot of Levolution kicks along at a rocking pace. Juke Kartel are very good at these kinds of songs; they give them just enough attitude and aggression without every sacrificing the melodies. But for me the standouts were the quieter moments, “If Only” and “Soul Shaper.” They remind us of a different side of the band, and give the disc the right amount of light and shade. We all know this band can rock, but these tracks prove that there’s so much more to them.
Supernova definitely missed out when they passed on Toby Rand, but something tells me he’s having the last laugh. At the helm of his own original rock act, he’s proving himself to be a real star.
11 August 2010 – Festival Hall, Melbourne (Supporting Slash)