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Devils Elbow - Absolute Domain Album Review

26 Feb 2014 // A review by Peter-James Dries

Managing to give us an EP/Single/Album each year since 2010, February sees the release of Absolute Domain, the sophomore album from Hawkes Bay Alt. Country Punk and aspiring bums, Devils Elbow. Yes, you read that genre correctly.

We’re in a world of cross genre interbreeding, so maybe I’ve become so jaded that a country punk blend doesn’t seem too far a stretch of the imagination. But when I was growing up country music and punk rock were on completely different frequencies.

After a bit of hand puppetry and over-thinking I realized punk and country aren’t really that different. The lone horseman with an acoustic guitar, a camp fire and a can of beans. The disaffected youth with a power chord, a cigarette and a spray can. Both rebels on the wrong side of the social norm. 

The blend works. Some tracks have a more country aesthetic, mellow and subdued, swaying zippo lighter in the air feel like Chosen One, my personal favorite from the album. Others are more in your face, the kind that would get the mosh pit in the Cabana writhing, like Reverse Sting (No Toledo).

While anyone with a computer and a taste for masochism can make a Slipknot/Justin Bieber mashup, Devils Elbow have the skill to fuse two genres that sound like they shouldn’t mix with some damn amazing results. 

Will this album be the ticket they need to quit their day jobs? Probably not, but through no fault of their own. It’s just most of the world are still listening to some pretty shit music right now. You can be certain that once this baby hits the airwaves Absolute Domain is sure to win Devils Elbow some new fans.

You may have missed the first Absolute Domain album release gig, but there is still time left to catch Devils Elbow live. Check Eventfinder for more details on the band’s upcoming shows. $10 Entry. Free CD. Can’t go wrong.

Not one for gigs? You can find Absolute Domain anywhere music from HIT YOUR HEAD MUSIC is sold, or alternatively check out iTunes and the Devils Elbow Bandcamp (http://devilselbowofficial.bandcamp.com/).

Absolute Domain
View Track Listing
 

About Devils Elbow

Devils Elbow hail from the sunny Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. Formed in 2007 the bands sound has been described as punk-influenced, alt. country-flavoured, electric-folk, garage rock 'n roll.

"There’s just a lot of class on display here, great work from all band members,
great writing, arrangements and production." - Simon Sweetman, Off The Tracks

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Devils Elbow

Releases

Riverlands
Year: 2022
Type: EP
ID
Year: 2019
Type: EP
Golden Flame
Year: 2014
Type: EP
Absolute Domain
Year: 2013
Type: Album
Broken Record Syndrome
Year: 2012
Type: EP
These Days
Year: 2011
Type: EP
KO
Year: 2010
Type: EP
Sand On Chrome
Year: 2010
Type: Album

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