THE MURLOCS : CALM YA FARM

THE MURLOCS : CALM YA FARM

Initiative
Common Sense Civilian
Russian Roulette
Superstitious Insights
Centennial Perspective
Queen Pinky
Undone And Unashamed
Captain Cotton Mouth
Catfish
Smithereens
Forbidden Toad
Aletophyte

Label : ATO Records

Release Date : May 19, 2023

Length : 40:22

Quality : Soundboard Recording (A+)

Review (AllMusic) : The ever-prolific Murlocs have shifted their approach yet again on 2023's Calm Ya Farm. After starting out as loose-limbed garage rockers with harmonica, they took a swing at piano ballads on 2021's Bittersweet Demons, then swerved into hard rock on 2022's Rapscallion. They've settled into their most pleasing incarnation yet on this album, mixing classic and country rock into a strutting, swaggering sound that preens like classic Faces. The one-two punch of "Initiative" and "Common Sense Civilian" kicks off the set with a rollicking, woozy feel that Rod and the lads would certainly understand. The lyrical concerns and insistent vocals of Ambrose Kenny-Smith might give them pause, though, as he doesn't sing about booze and broads, instead tackling subjects like gun violence, paranoia, and the uneasy state of the world. This dichotomy of good-time sounds and anxiety can be jarring, but ultimately songs like "Russian Roulette" and "Undone and Unashamed" cut a little deeper because of it. Alongside the low-key, feel-good rockers that make up the bulk of the record, there are a handful of songs that conjure up the spirit of Rod Stewart's less glitzy sidekick in the Faces, the inimitable Ronnie Lane. Kenny-Smith's yearning, tremulous vocals are a near cousin to Lane's, and when the Murlocs drop the swagger down a notch and boost the rambling, they capture some of the ragged tenderness of Lane at his best. "Captain Cotton Mouth" comes across like a supercharged version of his early solo work, while the waltzing "Catfish" and "Forbidden Toad" have a pleasing lightness that twinkles. Comparisons are nice, but what makes Calm Ya Farm special for the Murlocs is the confidence and craft behind the album. They don't sound like dilettantes trying out yet another sound, they feel like they hit the bull's-eye dead center and finally sound like their true selves. They can dash off rock & roll gems like "Aletophyte" with ease, deliver soulful ballads like "Queen Pinky" with subtle grace, and basically hit all points in between like a classic band. Who knows where they might go next, but right here and right now in the year 2023, one would be hard-pressed to find a better rock & roll album on the shelves.

Review (The Fire Note) : Melbourne’s The Murlocs, the Australian rock band of Ambrose Kenny-Smith and associated with the King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, have returned with the more country fried Calm Ya Farm. Much like the Gizzard, The Murlocs have been cranking out music as Calm Ya Farm is their seventh full length since 2014 and third record since 2021. The Murlocs have developed their own blend of psychedelic rock, blues, and garage while always delivering a mesmerizing and captivating sonic experience. Calm Ya Farm is no different as it moves away from the piano driven Bittersweet Demons (2021) and the more straightforward rock on last years Rapscallion. This album once again offers another new side of the band and leaves a lasting impression with its free sounding and rollicking country rock. From the moment you press play, Calm Ya Farm grabs hold of your attention with its infectious energy and raw, unfiltered sound. The album opens with the track “Initiative,” a catchy and vibrant foot tapping song that sets the tone for what’s to come. The Murlocs waste no time diving into their newer groove with handclaps, slide guitar and a saloon piano backdrop. One of the album’s standout tracks is “Russian Roulette.” It has some of the most core psychedelic grooves you will hear on this album and features a dynamic vocal performance by Kenny-Smith that adds an extra layer of intensity to the song. Calm Ya Farm maintains a consistent vibe throughout, but it also displays a great deal of variety. I loved the trailing harmonica that ends “Superstitious Insights” while slower tracks like “Queen Pinky” and “Smithereens” demonstrate the band’s ability to explore different moods within their signature style. The way the band effortlessly blends various elements creates an addictive and infectious sound that is hard to resist. The Murlocs’ Calm Ya Farm is a triumphant album that showcases the band’s growth and maturity while staying true to their unique style. It’s a psychedelic rock gem with country flares that effortlessly blends infectious grooves, some southern twang, memorable hooks, and thoughtful lyrics. With its captivating soundscapes and irresistible energy, this album is a must-listen for fans of the band and anyone looking for an invigorating and immersive rock experience.

Review (Glide Magazine) : Constantly active, The Murlocs follow up their 2022 release Rapscallion with the excellent Calm Ya Farm. Originally the Melbourne-based outfit thought their new record would focus on country/Americana, but during recording things took a sideways detour into catchy English pub rock, and apparently had too much fun to leave. This also being The Murlocs (lead singer/guitarist/harmonica player Ambrose Kenny-Smith, guitarist Callum Shortal, drummer Matt Blach, bassist Cook Craig, and keyboardist Tim Karmouche), a group that shares members with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard and ORB, there will be prog-flashes and garage distortion, but for the most part, these sunshiny numbers bounce with glee. Kicking off with the upbeat party rock and ode to youth, “Initiative” the group sets an exuberant tone as The Murlocs seem to be enjoying themselves immensely throughout Calm Ya Farm. Boisterous guitar riffs and vibrant harmonicas are reminiscent of the James Gang with touches of the Small Faces ring out on the successful “Common Sense Civilian”. Kenny-Smith in particular sounds like a confident Rod Stewart (with better harmonica work) throughout the album. The organ-led groove of “Russian Roulette” is exciting as it splashes on light touches of prog, “Centennial Perspective” uses marching drums and strong singing while funky bass, piano, and that killer harmonica lead the charge during “Superstitious Insights”. All are great, but Calm Ya Farm reaches its peak as “Queen Pinky” begins with some odd sounds but moves quickly into a 70’s soul-tinged burner via, electric guitar, strings, piano, and percussion while “Undone and Unashamed” is even better with upbeat sounds and a dynamite saxophone solo bringing it all home. The album recedes a bit during the latter stages with the repetitive “Catfish” feeling out of place, but the warbling guitar and harmonica interplay on the instrumental “Forbidden Toad” brings things back into the fold and the record ends on the high note of the hip-shaking, garage/pub rocking “Aletophyte”. Cleaner and lighter than past efforts, The Murlocs Calm Ya Farm is their best full album yet as the good time sounds flow like free wine at a late-night afterparty.