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AIRBOURNE
Breakin' Outta Hell
Spinefarm Records

When it comes to music of the Hard & Heavy variety, almost every country in the world can claim 1 or 2 bands that the rest of the world considers legit. And when speaking of rock "Down Under", the Aussies have quality if not necessarily quantity. Names like BUFFALO, BUSTER BROWN, ROSE TATTOO, HOBBS' ANGEL OF DEATH, THE ANGELS (or ANGEL CITY as they were known in these parts), ARMOURED ANGEL, DUNGEON (as well as LORD) and the Legends that are/were (?) AC/DC top my short but sweet list. And, lest we forget, we have AIRBOURNE. As I mentioned above, right now the status of AC/DC is quite tumultuous with Cliff, Malc & Brian gone. So who better to take the mantle of Aussie Rock than the boys from Melbourne? Formed by the O'Keeffe Brothers (Joel - guitar & vocals, and Ryan - drums) along with David Roads (guitar) & Justin Street (bass), these boys are just about good time R&R. And in this day and time, isn't it nice to just listen and enjoy, without hearing about the problems of the day all the time?

AIRBOURNE are an amped up version of the Bon-led era and waste no time hitting high gear with album opener and title track "Breakin' Outta Hell", with a solid riff and fist pumping chorus. "Rivalry" slows it down but has a killer groove and Joel sounding a bit like early Brian Johnson with a huge gang sung chorus that would be massive in a large arena or festival atmosphere.

"Get Back Up" sounds like it could have come off of Highway To Hell musically and lyrically telling you to not let life bring you down. "It's Never Too Loud For Me" pretty much lets you know in the title what it's about, and I agree wholeheartedly with it!!! "My ears are ringing but I still keep singing ". Absolutely.

"Thin The Blood" is a high energy track about....drinking!!!! Nothing like a good drinking song methinks. "Saturday morning, and I feel like shit"... haha, whose never been there?? If you're driving you may want to watch your speed as this one may have you seeing red & blue lights in the mirror if you're not careful! "I'm Going To Hell For This" takes it back down a notch but doesn't stop the head from nodding with this mid-tempo rocker.

"Down On You" keeps the energy up as Joel says "this is everything every woman needs". You'll get no argument here. "Rocked Like This" will no doubt have the air guitars playing. Solid, crisp production on the album by producer Bob Marlette gives each track the bite it needs to deliver the Rock as its intended.

"When I Drink I Go Crazy" should be a Friday night fave for all us weekend warriors out there. This has one of my favorite lyrics in quite some time, "standing drunk in the middle of the road, directing traffic like a ninja". Hahaha! The visual alone in the minds eye is priceless but please kiddies, don't try this at home. Go crazy!!! "Do Me Like You Do Yourself" starts off with the line "I was flipping a record, when I heard you next door" so you already know it gets props from yours truly! The rest of the song is rather self explanatory. Album closer "It's All For Rock N' Roll" is a tribute to fallen Rock icons and a fitting way to end the album.

This album is just no frills, party all night Rock and Roll. AIRBOURNE aren't inventing the wheel here. Yes, they have AC/DC all over their DNA. I could spend roughly 10 minutes going over all the bands in my collection that do as well. All that truly matters is if you want to let loose, let down your hair and party, then here's your soundtrack. So Turn It Up!!! And for my Vinyl loving Brothers & Sisters, there is Wax available! Killer cover artwork as well.

4.0 Out Of 5.0 Skulls

Grab your copy of "Breakin' Outta Hell" in the KNAC.COM More Store right HERE.