Review by DAVID SAYERS

Perth fans of the rock n’ roll revival will be dancing in the streets. Why? Because local outfit THE LOVE JUNKIES have released a blistering self titled EP. An unrelenting onslaught of fuzzy guitar fury, the five tracks contained within are fast, hard and immediate, with infectious melodies that will linger in your mind long after the record has stopped spinning. The EP also bears superb production by Ampersonic Studios, who have transmuted the young trio’s immense raw energy into a studio gem.

There’s something unmistakably grunge about opener ‘Need A Light’, which begins as a simple, bluesy affair before launching into a smorgasbord of octave-altered licks, complete with snarling vocals and adolescent spite. The track crescendos to some serious low end riffage before it comes to a screeching halt. There’s barely time to breath before ‘Pretty Little Thing’ hurtles down the tracks, an adrenaline drenched number with lightning fast lead breaks – it’s safe to say that vocalist/guitarist Mitch McDonald has some serious chops – and solid rhythm section.

‘Dirty Lover’ is the highlight of the record. It’s dangerously hook-laden with a hypnotic vocal melody. ‘Swallow Your Sorrows’ takes the foot off the accelerator with a slow, stoner groove and singalong refrain, before ‘Burn Like The Sun’ elicits another round of multi-octave blasts before bringing the ride to a slow, satisfying stop.

The Love Junkies EP drives at breakneck speeds. It comes on like a drug and leaves the listener ruffled, ravaged and begging at street corners for more. It’s a rock extravaganza. One can only imagine the dizzying heights of musicianship the band is capable of. This is a truly professional sounding release that is hopefully just a taste of things to come.

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