Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever – Endless Rooms – Album Review
by Killian Laher

If ever a band sounded like summer or optimism, it’s Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever.  The Australian five-piece emerged six years ago playing at breakneck speed, their brand of zippy guitar pop songs.  Those who enjoyed their two previous albums will be happy with this, it’s very much business as usual.  After a short instrumental, the one-two of Tidal River and The Way It Shatters are pure guitar pop heaven, with swinging guitar lines (the band features THREE guitarists!).  The songs are not particularly remarkable but they act as an anchor to allow for some seriously impressive guitar soloing on My Echo and Dive Deep.

When the band slow down a bit they do it to great effect.  The laid-back, breezy Caught Low has some lovely guitars evoking none other than the Smiths, as does the ever so slightly downcast Open Up Your Window and the moody title track. It’s a moment to catch your breath. There’s plenty of speedy guitar pop further into the album such as Saw You At The Eastern Beach, with more extraordinary guitar interplay.  Vanishing Dots has a post-punk guitar line which sets it apart from the rest.

While the album doesn’t show much in the way of progression for this band, it will certainly act as an upbeat summer party album for the more discerning listener, at the same time it’s equally satisfying for those who enjoy intricate guitar lines weaving in and out of each other.

Tidal River