SORDID ORDEAL – REGICIDE

I’d heard a lot about Sordid Ordeal before I saw them. Having seen their stickers plastered around dive bars of Melbourne, and even the occasional public transport seat. They have a presence bigger than their front man Laurence. With his pounding chest and side-show Bob hair, the front man delivers a passionate and powered vocal performance on their debut release Regicide as does the entire band.

Combining a blues rock, pop and punk sound can go wrong for so many. It is good to hear a band, and a local Melbourne band at that, get it swinging in the right direction.

An honest and at times lyrically confronting experience, the opener “Citizen” will make you think twice before you speak. Both a commentary on people Laurence grew up with and an opinionated word play on Australia and our leaders racially harmful views, it’s a brave track to open with and the choice pays off. It says “We are here, pay attention”.

At least that’s what I took from it. I guess everyone will take something different away from this track and indeed the entire record. That’s what I like about Regicide, it’s punk rock, it’s blues, yet it doesn’t restrain itself and neither will the listener when experiencing it. The first three tracks grabbing you with bluesy authority and the last two sitting back, wearing a suit, smoking a cigarette, laughing at a joke no ones heard yet.

Second track “Tigress” has an almost White Stripes feel to it, with a simple yet catchy riff and a mouthful of verse lyrics, it fuels the fire Sordid Ordeal started in “Citizen”. Laurence certainly has a knack the art of lyrics, with a delivery on “Tigress” reminiscent of aussie hip hop. Whoa, hold up! Did I just write that? Yes, yes I did. And I’ll stand by it.

It’s hard to find a band these days not influenced by The Melvins, either directly or through other outlets. “Black Straps” is where you’ll find the Melvins side of Sordid Ordeal. With a banging riff then a stop! The vocals carry an almost mantra-esque flow, sliding perfectly into that Melvins feel. If you’re going to listen to Sordid Ordeal, this is the first track I would suggest.

Sordid Ordeal ‘Black Straps’ – Official Video

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The somber Pink Floydian tone of “Trinity Tirade” is an absolute pleasure. With a clean and crisp guitar tone playing against the clever lyrics, the entire song dances a melody of shadow and light. Against a backdrop of self awareness. It’s the sound of a life at a crossroads. Following track Ishka almost resolving the questions asked in Trinity Tirade, with Laurence proclaiming “I’m alive again”. This is the end to a well rounded and mature release from a young Melbourne band.

The production is clear and sweet, with each instrument sitting nicely in its place. So often does a local band create a great record only to have it shit on by an overbearing crash symbol and a lack of bass tones. It’s good to hear a band take the time and effort of production. Ultimately, it can make or break a good record. These are good songs, they deserve good production and that’s what they got.

Regicide is a strong debut from a band that shows how diverse the Melbourne “heavy” scene can be. There’s a lot to take away from this record, but there’s even more to come back for.

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 By: Rob Ryles, RockRevolt Journalist