Open Season, The - Before we start (EP)
Adelaide group The Open Season have released their sophomore EP, ‘Before we start’ following the success of their debut album ‘Chase.’
‘Before we start’ is a rollicking, distinctly Australian punk EP, crammed with punk riffs and punk-standard lyrical topics of struggling reality, fighting, disillusionment and generational angst. Self described as ‘patriotic punk’ – but fear not hippies, that doesn’t mean Young Liberal lyrics – The Open Season have really struck a chord of Australian punk fans, in particular in their home town of Adelaide. ‘Before we start’ is, however, a bit of a mixed bag, as if The Open Season haven’t quite settled on their sound yet, but all of the songs are solid, if not exactly creating a punk harmony for the EP.
The first track, ‘blinded by tradition’ is a blistering Australian punk rock ballad, very much in the vein of fellow Australian punk groups ‘After the fall’ and ‘Gyroscope’, both bands which they have supported over the past couple of years.
The second track, ‘Don’t believe in Goodbyes,’ is a lighter affair, more ‘Kisschasy’ than heavier punk, although some of the reliable power chord riffs towards the tail of the song picks up the intensity of the track.
The third and fourth tracks, ‘The Sun from both sides’ and ‘What is real?’ are both distinctly New Found Glory-esque and there is a real chance that ‘What is real?’ could pick up wide-spread radio air time.
The final track, ‘Jimmy Hats’ is different again, a more layered, experimental track, laying off the power chords a little to show some of the genuine musical and lyrical talent of The Open Season.
All in all, a solid second EP which could prove to lead to big things for The Open Season.
