Most bands would find it an exciting but daunting process releasing their debut album, but Perth Blues Rockers Art of Dysfunction have certainly taken it all in their stride, with the dropping of their excellent self-titled full-length release. This is a superb collection of ball-tearing riff-laden rockers which will keep you coming back for more, time and time again. Fronted by bassist Kyle Haydock, Art of Dysfunction have been carving out a name for themselves around the Perth live scene, supporting the likes of Melbourne’s Electric Mary and even making it over to play a tour in Germany.
The album powers out of the starting blocks with the catchy ‘Bedford Blues’, with it’s gang vocal chorus and clean guitar tones from rhythm guitarist Ash Gallop, before lead six string slinger Michael Menna teases with the first of his many soloing exploits. ‘Hypnotise’ is hooky, fuzzy and warm, drawing you in with it’s steady opening before exploding into a full on rocker with a 70s vibe. The first of the real gems is ‘Before the Moment Dies’, with wonderful guitar riffs & licks playing throughout. A short mid-track drop in tempo and key change add real depth. ‘Sunset Rider’ drags us along like a lazy hangover on a Sunday, shuffling and a-kicking it’s way towards a hair raising distortion-filled solo from Menna. This can only be played loud!
‘Black Magic Love’ is a dirty bluesy rock-filled beauty, and just wait until the guitar break-down adding to the catchy chorus. ‘J.E.P’ takes us over the halfway point of the record, with drummer Royce Mack kicking things off, before guitars warm it all up that little bit more and Haydock takes the lead with his solid vocals, as he does throughout the album. Another contender for one of my favourite tracks on the album. It’s a little bit different to the rest of the bunch but damn its good! Another fantastic foot tapper and hooky number is ‘Left Handed Cigarette’ with its twin guitar mid-section.
As the album draws closer to the end we get ‘Mandy’, another blues-rock groovefest which doesn’t allow you any time to stop moving. ‘Devil Woman’ well and truly pulls out the 70s stops, making this the stadium rocker of the collection! Loud, catchy and a whole lot of fun! The album closes with the wonderful ‘Ballad of The Short Stem Rose’ which features Legs Electric vocalist Ama Quinsee. It’s has a slower, darker, moodier vibe but is another album highlight. A fantastic debut album for a band who can to do no wrong, musically. Keep an eye out for Art of Dysfunction.
Art of Dysfunction have been putting the pieces for this album together since 2017, bringing in Michael Vdelli to near the end to help add the final pieces of the jigsaw. Recording extended over 6 months at SiBorg studios with producer and engineer Simon Hallett. The album was co-produced by Michael Menna and mastered by Forrester Savell.
8/10
