Album Review: West Thebarton - Different Beings Being Different

After years building a hard-partying reputation as West Thebarton Brothel Party, the hard-working Adelaide seven-piece shortened their name and knuckled down to deliver their debut album, succeeding in perfectly capturing both their heart-on-sleeve, pub-rock stylings and their onstage chemistry and camaraderie.

Producer Dylan Adams (DMA'S, The Lulu Raes) has pulled a sound that's punchy and precise without compromising the band's inherent grittiness, particularly frontman Reverend Ray's impassioned growl, which gives so many songs added impetus. The band's four guitarists also work flawlessly together, concocting a big wall of sound at times but allowing space where required and always letting individual parts shine through the squall.

On top of catchy singles Stuck On You, Moving Out and Bible Camp, there's real depth on display, with tracks such as Gough, Reasons and On The Hill proving equally immediate. Lyrically the prevalent hometown pride only serves to further endear (they love their Adelaide home in the same way that Violent Soho love their Brisbane heartland, fittingly given their role as flagship act for Violent Soho guitarist James Tidswell's new label), with universal tropes about suburban living rife among the rich imagery.