Playing rock and roll, and playing it well, isn’t easy these days. So much has been produced and rehashed of the genre, its best days having existed mostly in the 60’s and 70’s. Don’t get me wrong; rock and roll is still very much alive. It’s the distinction between the plethora of bands playing for an audience of head scratchers, and those few earning the raised fists and crazed, circuital crowds.
Naming your band Drop Tank sets the bar even higher. Based out of Sydney, Australia, Drop Tank creates an authentic style of punk-infused rock and roll that shreds like Black Sabbath, yet speeds at the rate of Motörhead. The bands’ most recent release, Domina is comprised of six songs fueled by thrash guitar hooks, heavy metal soloing and catchy choral melodies. Their big sound mimics well the experience Drop Tank have in self-recording their material in a warehouse.
As if the music doesn’t speak for itself, singer and guitarist Zebidy Tank displays killer vocals on each of these tracks. Her full-fledged force behind the mic and in song writing is what really gives Drop Tank their edge. Backed by Jon Sora on guitar and Scott Davey on bass, these two hold down the technical compositions while Zebidy belts lines like “Doin’ time for rock and roll!” It’s apparent the devotion to rocking that Drop Tank seems to thrive on.
Without the frenetic fills and footwork of Harry Thynne on drums, there would certainly be something missing. He times his rolls well and lays down heavy chops consistent with the frantic pace of Domina. See track four “Saw Nothing” for exemplary blasts beats and poly-rhythmic percussion.
Domina flies by at just over twenty minutes, but is worth more in weight than it clocks in at. This is a balls to wall example of the energy, attitude and aggression that have come to define rock and roll. Drop Tank may have thanks due to their influences, but they’ve done well to establish themselves as a one of a kind band. While many other brigades would have long run out of fuel, Drop Tank hold the reserve in their live element.
