For Fans Of: Bodyjar, Calling All Cars.
Bodyjar took a hold of Australian punk rock fans airwaves for over a decade, until the end of 2009 when they let go of their grip. Front man Cameron Baines and Drummer Shane Wakker have formed a new group, called Cola Wars. Their debut album ‘Invader’ was released this year. The question is can they ever reach the heights that their former band soared?
The first surprise about Cola Wars is that ex-For Amusement Only member, Michael Juler, shares the vocal duties with ex-Bodyjar front man Cameron Baines. So instead of sounding like Bodyjar take two, Cola Wars separate themselves from that preconceived idea. The first song ‘Belgian Border’ sets the tone for the rest of the album and lets the listener know they are in for a bunch of hard-hitting rock songs. ‘Giving It Up’ is the first single from the album, and the standout song. It is just one of the many songs that show their experience and talents of writing catchy rock songs, that will even make current kings Calling All Cars check over their shoulders. When track four comes around, ‘Lost And Lonely’, the listener has been converted to a fan. The drumming throughout the entire album is first class and that is thanks to ex-Bodyjar drummer Shane Wakker, one of Australia’s best and most entertaining behind the kit. If the lyrics for ‘Hell To Pay’ are the attitude and drive we can expect from this band, then Australia has something to look forward to.
Picking up where Bodyjar left of, Cola Wars take things to the harder rocking side. For those who are fans of Bodyjar (if you aren’t then definitely do yourself a favour and check them out) knew to expect the best from Cameron Baines and Shane Wakker. Cola Wars have delivered an album that separates them from previous bands and is the beginning of a very promising career.
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