After the successful release of their instant classic single “Sand Lea” and brilliantly raw accompanying video which THE AU REVIEW described as “a perfect introduction to their versatility as a group”, Dirty Hearts recently launched the release their heavily anticipated album General Bitterness and Inner City Moonshine with a bunch of headline shows.
The 3-piece from Brisbane who are renowned for putting their own slant on Australian rock ‘n’ roll led the record with their balls to the wall, riff heavy second single “A New Way Of Walking“. Getting the job done in well under 2 minutes the blistering track is the sweaty soundtrack of “the night before the morning after” and was apparently written in the time it takes to play the song. Matt Doe (vocals/guitar) cryptically describes the song as “Concrete, white light, hot heat, drum beats, bright lights, we’ll meet”.
The band recently gave us their thoughts on the top 10 Aussie rock albums of all time so give this a read and see if you agree!
Top 10 Australian Rock Albums
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard: Nonagon Infinity: The best King Gizz album album for mind – must be played loud for maximum affect.
Dogs at Bay – Bad//Dreems: Classic Oz rock brought back to life with a vengeance. One of the the best Australian rock releases of the last five years, no doubt.
Primary Colours: Eddy Current Suppression Ring: Eddy Current at their absolute best. Raw, primal and unapologetic. ‘Which Way to Go’ is an instant classic.
Highway to Hell – AC/DC: As kids beholden to our parent’s record collections, we were lucky enough have this as a staple. This album certainly the equal and arguably the better of anything released by Led Zepplin, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath.
Hifi Way – You Am I: The soundtrack of the suburbs, Rogers’ song writing is truly exceptional. Uniquely Australian, yet accessible to all. You Am I are the benchmark as far as we’re concerned for any band, Australian or otherwise, in melding brilliant, beat pop, rock and some of the most honest, gut-wrenching word play.
Frogstomp – Silverchair: It’s almost inconceivable to think that a group of 14 and 15 year old kids could produce an album that we’re still listening to almost 25 years later. A brilliantly heavy, sophisticated first release from a group mature beyond their years
Mint 400 – Ammonia: Great debut, long-player release from a band that were hugely underrated. This album is in the regular rotation, holds up brilliantly – could’ve been released this year if you were none-the-wiser.
Cold Chisel – East: Don Walker’s song writing was at its pinnacle, one of the best live bands that this country’s produced, period. It’s a mystery to us how this band didn’t rule internationally. Timeless, anthemic choruses, with song writing touching on progressive cultural social issues
Powderfinger – Odessey Number 5: It’s quite simply one of those albums that defines a particular place and time for me – this is the sound of Brisbane and Australia in 2000 – suburban kids chanting in unison. There’s something unpretentious and accessible about it, while at the same time being sophisticated and polished.
Slightly Oddway – Jebidiah: One of the best Australian debut albums of the 90s. Instantly catchy, hook-laden, from a band who were equally great live.
Check out Sand Lea from Dirty Hearts