Album Review: The Beards - Having A Beard Is The New Not Having A Beard

If someone suggested that a band could form to sing songs exclusively about their love of facial hair and make a successful music career out of it, you would think they were mad. But that is exactly what The Beards have done. Having started the band originally to play a one-off show as a bit of a laugh, Adelaide rockers The Beards have been a surprise hit, touring extensively around the country and now releasing their third album, Having A Beard Is The New Not Having A Beard.

The collection of 12 tracks (well, 11 plus an 11 second interlude titled B.E.A.R.D) manages to span a range of beard-loving topics in styles from The Darkness-inspired glam rock through to reggae, blues and the all-important power ballad. You Should Consider Having Sex With A Bearded Man is a standout hit with an '80s rock sound fusing staccato guitar and synths with hilarious lyrics, including “Don't try to fight, just get freaky with a beard tonight.” The album investigates more eclectic musical styles than previously heard from the band, such as the reggae-themed Bearded Nation and bluesy Still Got My Beard. Classic rock tracks and hand-swaying beard power ballads still feature strongly on the album however. Closing track There's Just Nothing Better Than A Beard is a classic example that crescendos up to an epic end with screaming high vocals before it fades out, then back in again for a second self-indulgent rock finish.

It's hard to say how many beard-related songs the quartet has left in them but, with three albums already under their belt and plenty of 'growth' here, it appears the pool of facial hair-inspired songs is not yet dry.