Cold ChiselThe opening line "I wake up in the morning, feel like shit" (Alone For You) in that inimitable throaty voice can only mean one thing: Chisels are back! One of Australia's finest ever rock bands prove that there's plenty of life in the old dog yet, their ambitious eighth album The Perfect Crime showcasing the many facets of their adroit craftsmanship.
The second release of this career phase — following 2012's No Plans — finds a more even creative contribution across the board and as a result there's a nice sonic diversity throughout, although ultimately anything this group touches together sounds precisely like Cold Chisel. Don Walker brings two strong tracks from his solo canon (the title track and Four In The Morning) and co-penned single Lost with Wes Carr, even foraying vaguely into disco territory with Bus Station. Jimmy Barnes co-wrote two with his son-in-law Ben Rodgers (All Hell Broke Lucy and the ominous Long Dark Road), while elsewhere Get Lucky ushers a nice change of pace and The Backroom sounds like a lost gem.
Drummer Charlie Drayton (who joined following Steve Prestwich's sad passing in 2011) brings plenty of swing and locks in nicely with bassist Phil Small, Ian Moss shreds in inimitable fashion, Walker brings his trademark versatility on keys and Barnesy delivers one of his best vocal performances in ages. Chisels' chemistry is undeniable and they seem settled and comfortable, an accomplished outing.
