The Chats - “Get F——d” Album Review
Along with FIDLAR and Amyl and the Sniffers, The Chats have been leading a revival and interest in punk music for a while now.
With the release of their first full-length studio album “High Risk Behavior” in 2020, they solidified themselves in the modern rock scene, describing their sound as “shed rock” and noting King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard as one of their major influences.
The trio even gained praises from rock legend and former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl.
Consisting of bandmates Eamon Sandwith (lead vocals and bass), Matt Boggis (drums) and Josh Hardy (guitar), The Chats originate from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia.
The band really started to gain traction with the release of their songs “Smoko” and “Pub Feed,” both thrashy, kooky and fast-paced pub rock songs.
Audiences will find this band significant, not just because of their unique and punchy style of music, but their simple, yet hilarious and unusual lyrics. Whether it be about going out for a smoke break, getting your identity stolen over the internet or pulling an ol’ ‘Dine N Dash.’
While that youthful sense of rebellion retains itself in their newest album “Get F----d,” the band is taking a completely different turn with its newest selection of songs.
While many listeners may regard “High Risk Behaviour” as a pub rock LP, “Get F---d” is a testament to the classic hardcore punk bands that came before, while also remaining true the Chat’s original sound.
The introduction to the record paints a picture of Eamon and the gang speeding down a highway going in… well, a “6L GTR.”
This time around, the band’s sound is far more abrasive and aggressive.
Eamon is shouting in the microphone as Hardy strums the heck out of his guitar. This change in sound probably correlates with the band’s development and change of guitarists. Josh Price left in 2020 to pursue a solo career.
“Southport Superman” shows that a three-piece can make a lot of noise in just a 34-second song and is very reminiscent of the 1980s California hardcore punk band, Minor Threat.
The track “Out on the Street” paints a more serious picture in comparison to their other songs though, as it seems to show the listener a person who’s going through hard times, hence the title.
Overall, “Get F----d” presents fans of The Chats and avid music listeners with a far different experience compared to their previous LP.
Audiences will have a real hoot listening to this newest record and it’ll be interesting to see how the band continues to develop in the future.
Rating: 8/10
Reviewer’s favorite tracks: “Southport Superman,” “6L GTR” and “I’ve Been Drunk In Every Pub In Brisbane”
Jon Mead is a fourth-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact him, email jkm6040@psu.edu.
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