Airbourne

There’s always been a strong element of self-actualisation to Airbourne. Right from their earliest songs, the Australian quartet haven’t just saluted the glory of pub-forged hard rock but positioned themselves as deserving torch-bearers for exactly that. That remains true on the band’s sixth album, a swaggering self-titled showing that perfectly encapsules what they do so well: relentless riffing, shout-along choruses, a vigorous rhythm section and one hell of a wail from singer/guitarist Joel O’Keeffe. Airbourne even cut this record on an original Alberts Studios console once used by AC/DC, Rose Tattoo and The Angels. The reverence doesn’t stop there: <b>“Rock ’N’ Roll Ya”</b> is a cheeky love letter to the rock lifestyle, while the closing <b>“Send Me to Rock ’N’ Roll Heaven”</b> salutes Bon Scott, Lemmy and other legends who are no longer with us. Libidinous delights are also a running theme, with songs like <b>“Kid in a Candy Store”</b> and <b>“Sky High”</b> deploying plenty of AC/DC-worthy innuendo. And in terms of a straight-ahead mission statement for Airbourne, you can’t go past opener <b>“GUTSY”</b>.