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Old school rock n’ roll music is currently experiencing an interesting revival. While there are plenty of bands who have now splintered off under the monstrous umbrella genre that is indie rock, there are a few who have returned to the music of the genre’s hey day. I don’t mean throwbacks to late 90s punk pop or the grunge movement. I mean back to that grooving, fun time rock n’ roll that gave music of the 70s and 80s so much character. Brissie four-piece Former Angels fit this bill nicely, keen to bring this form of rock back to the forefront.
Keen for an 80s rock throwback? Former Angels deliver the goods with their boisterous take on rock n’ roll with Far Away Star.
AC / DC, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, if any of those bands give you the tingles then Former Angels is the right fit for you. The band may well be a lost relic of that era, somehow falling through the space-time continuum and landing here. Will they try their hand at some sulky indie-rock? Not on your life. These boys are raw and full of bombastic energy. Are you familiar with the go big or go home philosophy? That’s what Former Angels have, and to their credit they’re doing it pretty well.
Now I won’t preach and say they’re a rock band that is going to change the world. Nor will they be everybody’s cup of tea. Big vocals, big melodies, big guitar hooks, nothing about these gents are all that subtle and frankly that’s a good thing. Just look to debut single Far Away Star, a beast of a track that revels in its 80s influences. Like I said, it’s not meant to be for everyone, but Former Angels don’t strike me as the type who are eager to please. They play what they love and naturally like minded folk will join their party.
And therein lies the essence of the band. They’re fun. Those thumping riffs serve one purpose and that’s to get people dancing. Each of the four band members lend their vocals to the track, which adds to that party vibe. That choir is led by frontman Ryan Murr’s raspy vocals, and it’s those vocals that cement their boisterous vibes.
Loud, proud and with a devilish smile on their faces, Former Angels happily wear their hearts on their sleeves. You can catch them currently on their east coast tour.
Saturday November 14 – ‘Rock the Reef’, Hotel Metropole, Ipswich
Friday November 27 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle Saturday
Sunday November 29 – Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney
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