This morning I’ve been listening to Declaration of Independence, the solid debut EP from Sydney rockers The Earth Republic.
It’s a fitting name for the EP, which the band wrote and co-produced. This real independence allows the band to play around with their sound to deliver something that is eclectic, yet instantly accessible.
The opening track “Breaking It Again” is emotive and deeply powerful, if a little mournful after a couple of spins. I enjoyed it, but was thrilled to see the band switch gears for “Stop.” This song has one of the best bass lines I’ve ever heard, and that infectious groove makes this track one of the EP’s stand-outs for me. I also love “Vain,” a delightfully schitzophrenic song that swings wildly between rip-snorting riffs and more relaxed, jaunty rhythms. The closing track “Ready to Go,” really kicks along; I instantly thought it might be what Golden Earring would do if they were to write a sequel to “Radar Love.” Even if it is a bit derivative, it’s bags of fun.
The Earth Republic have generously posted all of the EP’s tracks online so you can hear them for yourself. Personally I’m impressed. The band hints at something really special here, and I have a feeling it’d be fully realised in the live arena. When a record makes you want to get out there and see the band on the stage, I think it’s done its job.
Image source: The Earth Republic website