Album Review: Cold Chisel - Blood Moon

At this point of Cold Chisel’s existence, a new album is basically an excuse for the band to go on tour and break the monotony of playing Flame Trees and Cheap Wine for the zillionth time. Getting The Band Back Together sets the pace, a singalong rocker laced with songwriter par excellence Don Walker’s sardonic wit: “Davo’s polishing an antique Strat that no musician could afford.” Chisel here are taking the piss out of themselves too, as well as the 'Band' of the song's title; this whole endeavour seems a little sad, hey, but it’s all in good fun.

As such there are some genuine kicks to be had amid the been-there-done-that pub-rock jams; the strongest track, Boundary Street, contains a downright filthy solo sax by Andy Bickers, who drags Ian Moss’ guitar down into the muck with him; “I hit the wall and the wall won," in the Walker/Sonny Curtis number I Hit The Wall is as classic a Chisel-ism as you could ever find; You Are So Beautiful, Moss’ sole contribution as co-songwriter (with Lucy DeSoto), is a surprisingly effective pop ballad, even if it feels like an afterthought. These old rock dogs haven’t got any new tricks, but they are far from ready to roll over and play dead.