Atomstation

The Grapevine gets a ‘sleazy thanks’ in the sleeve but we’ll not be influenced by such blatant arse kissing. Actually, no flattery is required because Exile Republic is pretty good, offers of filth or not. The opening blast of ‘Credo’ is pure LA rock. If Guns ‘n’ Roses bought a cute rescue home dog which was subsequently run over with extreme prejudice, then the resulting charity single would sound like the first track. Mainly because it’d be a pretty angry song but also a tad less precise in the marriage of riff and vocal due to their angst, a trait followed by Atomstation. Listen on and the blitz of pounding guitar and drums, such as those on ‘Dramaoverdose’ and the magnificent ‘Bloodline’, is an aggressively fun combination. Best on the album is ‘Bugchasers’ due to its mid-song breakdown and lyrics like “ugly dirty motherfuckers/sleeping with infected hookers”. Let’s hope this isn’t the sleaze they’re sending

THE VERDICT Ten tracks of unadulterated, polished heavy rock with enough soul and humour to prevent it from sounding even remotely dull after a few dozen listens – a potential breakthrough album.