As the disaster that is the British political system comes to a slow and ugly double head, it is refreshing to sit down and listen to something from distant shores. Raise the Crazy are a bluesy balls-out rock band hailing from Sydney, Australia, and although the sound is definitely entrenched in the classics such as AC/DC and Kiss, they also carry a sun soaked Kyuss-like atmosphere with them. This is certainly a bonus.

'Wrecking Ball' kicks off this four track EP with a somewhat slow grungy rhythm accented by a Lynyrd Skynyrd-style riff explosively bringing the song to life. It's actually the lead guitar that makes this song what it is and I can't help thinking that it would be a much improved song if the guitar was allowed to wander a little more and add some extra dimensions to the music. This is highlighted by the late arrival of a change of pace before the song is in danger of becoming just too repetitive.

However the mood is changed greatly by the second track 'Loaded Knights' which, along with the fourth song 'Hot Blood Cold Sweats', is one of the band's personal favourites, and it is easy to see why. 'Loaded Knights' starts with a slow beginning reminiscent of the 70's Zeppelin sound or even some early Blue Oyster Cult before kicking in with a badass bluesy groove crafted well enough to iron your creased up leather trousers ready for a night out down under. It would be great to hear some vocal harmonies on this to accent the roof-raising chorus.

 
The barn-stormer, 'Fire In Disguise', continues on the improvement and it's by this time that the full weight of the contagion (a new word I've picked up from the political coverage this week) in this EP is realised. The duel guitar in the breakdown half way through is a greatly received piece of self indulgence.

To finish things off we have the rebel rousing 'Hot Blood Cold Sweat' which sounds like AC/DC has just raided the make-up closet in the Kiss dressing room, and believe me this is no bad thing! Once again great guitar parts and the right words in the right places make this tune a real anthemic belter, and a cracking way to leave the EP.

What Raise the Crazy have produced here is good rock 'n' roll with a great dose of sweat and blues, good vocals and interesting guitar. Judging by the energy in here I bet they pack an even bigger punch from the stage - so go out and get your face smacked!

www.myspace.com/raisethecrazy