ALBUM REVIEW: Chrome Dipped – Civic
Australian rockers, CIVIC, are back with their third record Chrome Dipped. Having previously established their style as being strictly 70s Australian punk influenced, the Melbourne quartet have decided to “shake things up” with their newest release by expanding into different sounds and genres. According to guitarist, Lewis Hodgson, this change in style came from international touring where they saw how other bands worked and realised that they could simply do whatever they wanted, and be creatively free.
And ‘letting go’ sees CIVIC branching out into not only, garage rock and drone rock, but some shoegaze and electronic elements too. Yet despite the style shift, CIVIC remain true to their roots, as shown in opening track The Fool where we hear a cool and exciting rock song recorded with a rough production, nostalgic of earlier 70s punk recordings, giving it that vintage vibe. Granted, the song potentially goes on for a little too long, so its impact is lost yet is still sounds solid. However, all criticism is forgotten when we move into the title track which opens with a stunning drum roll before shifting into a garage rock composition that frankly just sounds cool with the rough production, something that is heard throughout the record, enhancing it further.
What’s fun with Chrome Dipped is how, despite it being clear that CIVIC are now branching out from being strictly influenced by 70s Australian punk, they don’t completely stray away from bringing in punk elements as heard in little segments during tracks like The Hogg, which is loud, drone-rock song that brings in punk guitar riffs; and similarly in Starting All The Dogs Off, that opens with dark, moody drums and bass that slowly raises in intensity as other instruments come in gradually to signal a kick off that, unfortunately, doesn’t quite go in the satisfying direction we hoped for but is immediately forgiven with the once again stunning droning breakdown.
And of course, we need to point out the two short but sweet punk songs towards the end of the album, Poison, that has bouncy beats you can’t help but bop along to, and Fragrant Rice, that has an acoustic start before kicking off into a punk-rock sound that’s overlayed with electronic drone-rock effects.
Other highlights include Trick Pony, that opens with electric guitar riffs and feedback before moving into being a bass-focused song with sci-fi synths coming in and out of the background, and that’s before they delve into a rock n roll meets punk composition; and, in almost direct contrast, Kingdom Come that, while eventually kicking off into something heavier, starts out acoustic with the vocals echoing as if being performed in an empty room, making it sound raw and vulnerable. Beautiful even. A fun rock album born out of wanting to bend the rules and do what they want, CIVIC’s venture has paid off.
Rating: 7/10
Chrome Dipped is set for release on May 30th via ATO.
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