Avalanche – Second Hand Band

Avalanche
Second Hand Band
Sliptrick Records
May 11, 2021
26:46

Australia, the island continent in the southern hemisphere of our earth. Located between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. When you hear the name, you immediately think of AC/DC, one of the biggest rock bands in the world. But also Airbourne or Rose Tattoo. But especially in the last few years, you keep getting to know new up-and-coming bands from Down Under. Would you like another example? Avalanche come from Sydney’s west. The band was founded in 2018 and has been dedicated to Oldschool Hard Rock and Metal from the very beginning. After several singles and a maxi EP, they have now released their second EP, “Second Hand Band”.

Second Hand Band is the band’s ultimate statement.

Then let’s hear what statement the band makes.

There is no long introduction. Already with “Killer Instinct” the Australians rock straight forward. The closeness to their outsized compatriots is clearly audible. But I think they sound more musically varied. With “Second Hand Band”, the title is clearly the concept. The riffs are definitely second hand. AC/DC send their regards. Nevertheless, Avalanche retain a certain independence. Vocally, singer Steven Campbell sounds far less scratchy than Bon Scott or Brian Johnson. And what his wife Veronica Taleski-Campbell delivers on her lead guitar is first class. She doesn’t have to hide behind Angus Young at all. In the accompanying video you can admire her solos. A feast for the eyes and ears. The rhythm section is also convincing. And so it goes on. The musicians don’t take any prisoners in the following songs either. Whether in the midtempo rocker “Get Back (To Fuckwit City)” or in the two mostly fast played “Spit In My Mouth” and “Down In The Gutter”. The latter shines with a bluesy middle part. With the last song, “Permanent Ink”, the quartet once again uses typical AC/DC riffs.

I hadn’t heard of Avalanche before. All the more excited about the high quality of the four musicians’ work. Yes, in many places they use well-known riffs and harmonies. But what’s wrong with that, if you put your own creativity on it. The big plus of the band is of course the guitarist. She can compete with the best of her profession. When bands like AC/DC or Rose Tattoo retire from the stage one day, we don’t have to be afraid. The spirit of these bands will live on. The successors are already digging their heels in.

Avalanche – Second Hand Band (Official Music Video): https://youtu.be/Xeji53Ir64c

Lineup:

Steven Campbell – Vocals, Bass
Veronica ‘V’ Taleski – Lead Guitar
Arthur Divis – Rhythm Guitar
Ryan Roma – Drums

Track list:

• Killer Instinct
• Second Hand Band
• Get Back (To Fuckwit City)
• Spit In My Mouth
• Down In The Gutter
• Permanent Ink