Rapscallion, the sixth album from the Melbourne-based outfit The Murlocs, dabbles in strong doses of 60’s garage, psych, and prog rock throughout the twelve tripped-out tracks.
The group is comprised of members who also participate in other prominent bands from the Melbourne scene. Ambrose Kenny-Smith (vocals, guitar, harmonica) and Cook Craig (bass) are members of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Callum Shortal (guitar) is in ORB, Matt Blach (drums) Beans and Tim Karmouche (keys) Crepes round out the quintet.
The retro rocking tracks get off to a big start with opener “Subsidiary” which mixes wooly riffs with prog-like changes as things shift and turn on a dime. The chugging, fuzzy guitars and heavy metal-like ending pump up “Bellarine Ballerina” while the groove kicks up around meaty vibrating bass, pounding drums and siren-like guitars on standout “Living Under A Rock”.
Another highlight offering is the slower, dreamy, keyboard-focused “Compos Mentis” which turns down the freak-out factor to move more towards a sweet ‘60’s pop sound. That more restrained feeling flows into the shimmering, harmonica accented “The Royal Vagabond” while the distorted bass/harmonica, warbling guitars, and overall heavier vibe kick back in for “Farewell To Clemency”.
“Virgin Criminal” takes off like a spaceship around weighty bass pulses and electro keys as clean/rough guitars mix in post-punk dance fashion. The bass bumps, digital bleeps, and harmonica distortion keeps the dance floor moving for “Bowlegged Beautiful” before the spoken word swagger of “Wickr Man” wraps up the grooving section of the album.
“Bobbing and Weaving” lives up to its title with Jimi Hendrix‘ “Manic Depression” like energy while the slow rolling tale of “The Ballad of Peggy Mae” eases into its story. Ending with the bombastic finale of “Growing Pains” The Murlocs continue their steeped-in acid look back at the 60’s Nuggets-inspired offerings on the convincing Rapscallion.
