The Datsuns – ‘Smoke & Mirrors’ (V2) Released 09/10/06

Sadly, for all the hardcore fans of these fantastic Kiwi rockers, we have all realised that The Datsuns will never recapture the feeling of their classic first album, and although their live shows will be hailed as some of the most dirty rock’n’roll odysseys to ever grace a stage, they will never be what they were back in 2002 on record. That aside, it is time to move on. For those who were as disgusted with their ‘difficult’ second album ‘Outta Sight/Outta Mind’ as the rest of their fans were, there is a little light at the end of the tunnel, with all hesitations and worries aside, it is finally safe to commit to these boys again. Enter ‘Smoke & Mirrors’. Slide guitars, Divas, familiar screaming vocals and excessive alcohol abuse, the ride is rough as hell!

‘Who Are You Stamping Your Foot For’ rings out in a raucously vitriolic fashion reminiscing of days of old, with a rough and ready guitar riff setting the pace, Dolf’s new (but a little too produced) vocal styling and a synth in the background keeping the party goin! Oh yes, these lads return to glorious form within the first three minutes of their new album. Next up is ‘System Overload’ and although it probably wasn’t the best choice for a lead off single before the release of ‘Smoke…’ as there are far better (and less cheesy) songs on this album, it becomes clear this is their conscious effort at making an all out rock’n’roll song, something that The Datsuns will always be remembered for. No brainer lyrics with a focus on the music itself becoming one massive rock freak out. Oh yes, it feels good.

Much is the same with the brilliant ‘Stuck Here For Days’ that was previously released as a limited vinyl EP, so it’s good news that this classic track has been included in the mix here, as killer low beat riffage, slide guitars and Dolf’s voice in all it’s screechy screaming glory reminding us that he’s still got some venom in him yet, make for a classic Datsuns tune that will go down as one of their best. ‘Maximum Heartbreak’ is once again a fast flowing non stop nosebleed of a ride that is as catchy as the Flu, with some awesome background vocals from some unknown diva’s that rival the Sahara Hotnights’ back when they helped out with vocal duties on ‘Harmonic Generator’.