Album Review: Redcoats - Redcoats

When Redcoats released their EP last year, the Melbourne band had all those who have cut their hair or foregone the allure of growing a nice set of mutton chops envious. Now kids are raiding their parents' drawers for long-forgotten bell bottoms and paisley shirts, preparing for the onslaught of the psych-rock beast that is the self-titled debut by Redcoats. And if you weren't round in the '70s for rock greats Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin or Black Sabbath, then Redcoats are the next best alternative.

With a musical pedigree that is part stoner rock sans imagery, part classic rock except with more substance and all parts rifforama, Redcoats have compiled a short and sharp ten-track album that is nothing short of mind-blowing. Opening track Raven, based around a blues riff, sets the tapestry for the Redcoats sound: tight, intense and timeless. Death Of Ecstasy follows suit, while Mr Young is more introspective, featuring some subtle-yet-fancy guitar work. But it's on current single Evergreen where the band are really at home: a blues-influenced shuffle interspersed with a plethora of fuzzed-out riffs. Album closer Mean Money broods delicately before embarking on a freefall Floyd-improvised middle section that puts the band's delay pedals to good use and is also heavily influenced by The Doors' instrumental jams.

Redcoats have harnessed a timeless sound, without sounding generic or 'borrowing' from their influences. This is an album that will ensure the band's ascent into Australia's mass consciousness before the rest of the world will undoubtedly follow. A simply stunning rock'n'roll debut.