Album Review: Emperors - Stay Frosty

With their debut record Stay Frosty, Emperors may no longer be Perth's best kept secret. Their amazing 2011 EP Sam was released to little fanfare and, although they've got a decent chunk of independent radio play and even a WAMI to their name, they've seemingly slipped between the fingers of many. With this album, you can't help but take notice; it's gutsy, full of fantastic individual playing, and has this immediate punch that makes every track simply leap from the speakers. Detractors will immediately note the unapologetic '90s sound of Stay Frosty but, seriously, who gives a fuck? If more bands from that era released an album as consistent and energetic as this debut, they might still be around to share a stage with Emperors.

Be Ready When I Say Go gets straight to the point. When Adam Livingston's vocals rise over the dense layers of riffing, you think you've found the climatic chorus of the album already. But then Song Of The Year comes at you, I'm Not Dead holds you down and by the time you get to Plastic Guns you get the message – awesome no-bullshit rock is the only thing on the menu here and it's being served at a frantic pace. Zoe Worrall-James's harmonies add colour and charm to the tunes, especially on Rebecca and Tired Of Winning, and the powerful rhythm section of herself and Dane Knowles provides the sturdiest of foundations throughout.

Without a weak point, Stay Frosty is as solid a rock record as you're likely to hear all year. There are no gimmicks or tricks to Emperors, and it makes them a band you can quickly believe in.