Project Description

.

THE SPINDRIFT SAGA
“RUBBLE AND STONE”
Album Review

(13th March 2024)

Review by Melanie Griffiths

.

.

The Spindrift Saga are back in with an album intent on the exploration of rock with “Rubble and Stone”..

The band from the South Coast of NSW have been thrashing out explosive alt funk-rock cuts for over a decade. In that time they supported The Living End and released their debut album ‘Badnormous’. Today, they have a swag of devoted fans converted from their high energy gigs and word-of-mouth. With “Rubble and Stone” the trio level-up with songs that push their songwriting chops, and the result is some serious catchy alt rock tracks.

Let’s break it down.


Wrong Feet

Starting with a tasty rumbling guitar riff, “Wrong Feet” opens up the album. It emerges as a visceral powerhouse, showcasing the band’s raw prowess. From the outset, the production envelops listeners in a gritty sonic landscape, where vocalist Chris McGrath’s vocals soar with alluring intensity against Mick McGrath’s reverberating guitar riffs. The rhythm section, anchored by Danny Freeman’s thunderous drumming, drives the song’s relentless energy forward. Thrown into the mix is a couple of unexpected drum flourishes that keep things interesting. It’s a solid start of grunge goodness, capturing The Spindrift Saga at their most electrifying and primal.


Fight Night

This track has influences of Queens of the Stone Age and Foo Fighters rumbling through it. With its catchy chord progression this song is meant to be played loud as you’re tearing down the highway. Danny’s frenetic drumming drives the track, a relentless barrage of energy that propels listeners into a whirlwind of sound. Guitars roar with a gritty intensity, their crunchy riffs intertwining with Chris’ impassioned vocals. Lyrically, the song delves into themes of frustration and disillusionment and this pulses like a defiant anthem.


Thrust

They may rock hard but with “Thrust”, The Spindrift Saga also know how to have a twisted sense of fun. This will send you into a sonic time capsule, whisking you away to the era of 90s alternative punk pop with its infectious hooks and carefree swagger.  Mentions of “TikTok dances” and grunts of “Thrust, Thrust” exude a playful charm, while the drums pulse with an infectious rhythm that begs a fistpump. This is one for the mosh.


Hills

By the time “Hills” plays it’s apparent that The Spindrift Saga don’t really believe in sticking to one genre as they spread their musical attention to another shade on the spectrum with “Hills”. Featuring a marching time guitar riff and a vocal attack that makes Chris sound like he’s inviting you on the adventure of a lifetime. It differs vastly from previous tracks hinting that this band is really committed to the avant-garde approach of songwriting.


Rubble & Stone

Bringing it back to their roots, “Rubble & Stone” captures the essence of the band. The track, a hooky concoction of bluesy riffs and dynamic drumming, oozes with the magnetism that has attracted the group so many fans. The production sounds top-notch from the thunderous guitar to the seismic drumming. For a title song, this encapsulates why this band deserves your attention.


Revolution

The Spindrift Saga now does a hard pivot with this acoustic track that conveys a sincerity that was unexpected. It’s a good opportunity to reveal another colour in the paintbox and points to their enigmatic personas and desire to fuse different influences together. While “Rubble & Stone” will be a fan favorite, “Revolution” will be the track to get them new fans.


Smile

This is a re-release and sits in the outfield in comparison to the new material. It’s got a reggae hook and whistling that positions it as a  radio friendly rock-pop track.


I’ve Said It Enough

The musical odyssey continues with the funk, blues inspired “I’ve Said It Enough”. Marrying soulful blues with a dash of contemporary flair. Chris’ peppery vocals glide effortlessly over the smooth rhythm section, while the guitar work shows restraint and finesse. The production remains tight, allowing every note to breathe while still packing a punch. Breaking into double time halfway through the group sounds like it’s trading licks and grooves with the effortless camaraderie of old friends. It conveys a timeless sound and infectious energy staying on point of the band’s persona of mixing it up.


This Power Is Hazardous

The album feels like it refocusses with “The Power Is Hazardous”. If you like your songs consisting of a sonic cocktail of tasty hooks and cheeky charm, then save this to your playlist. Leaning hard into alt-rock the band serves up irresistible energy. It’s a blend of irresistible big, ballsy production delivered with a playful attitude.


Botany Bay

This cover of an old Australian folk song is furious punk-infused pop rock about damned convicts bound for the new settlement. With loads of high energy and featuring a raucous group sing-a-long at the end of the song, its infectious energy, memorable melodies will have you on your feet.


Spindrift’n

“Spindrift’n” is a rollicking duet that crackles with the chemistry of the band. With its twangy guitars and toe-tapping rhythm, the production is delightfully rustic, evoking the spirit of old-time country charm. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious melody make it impossible not to be charmed by it. Brimming with lively energy and unmistakable charm, “Spindrift’n” embraces The Spindrift Saga’s ability to drive in many lines. Even though this is blues rock, they switch it up with grungy guitars and a gruff vocal attack that makes it a thoroughly modern example of the Australian alternative scene.

.

The Spindrift Saga.

RUBBLE AND STONE
Album Tour

The Spindrift Saga will be launching their album locally at the Moruya Waterfront Hotel on Saturday 23rd March with a lineup of special guests that includes The Trepids (Melbourne), Moon Dogs (Central Coast) and Flavuh (South Coast).


events.humanitix.com/the-spindrift-saga-rubble-and-stone-album-launch


They will follow their album launch show up with a tour over April that will see them visit venues in Wollongong, Nelligen, Bermagui, Canberra, Melbourne and Devonport. Full details of tour dates, support acts and tickets will be announced in the coming weeks.

.

The Spindrift Saga.

About THE SPINDRIFT SAGA

The Spindrift Saga are an Australian band from the South Coast of NSW renowned for their explosive live shows, “catchy rhythms, bright licks” and huge alt funk-rock sound. Over the course of a decade, this act has gained a large underground following and accumulated a long list of achievements.

Touring extensively both nationally and overseas, The Spindrift Saga has supported the likes of The Living End, Thirsty Merc, The Rubens, Kingswood and many other music industry heavyweights. The band’s debut full-length record ‘Badnormous’ has received airplay around the country and earned The Spindrift Saga a unique place in the alternative rock scene. Recently, the band has released several new singles and will be dropping their highly anticipated sophomore album ‘Rubble and Stone’ on Friday 1st March 2024.

.

The Spindrift Saga

TRACKLIST

Wrong Feet
Fight Night
Thrust
Hills
Rubble and Stone
Revolution (acoustic)
Smile (re-release)
I’ve Said It Enough
This Power is Hazardous
Botany Bay
Spindrift’n


Vocals and Bass – Chris McGrath
Vocals and Guitar – Mick McGrath
Drums – Danny Freeman
Recorded and mixed at A Sharp Studios Sydney by Matt Stewart
Mastered by Nick Franklin
Video clips filmed by Jay Seeney from Blacklist Productions
Photography by John Fraser
Artwork and design by J&S Design
CD and vinyl pressing by Replicat
Distributed by GYROstream

.

Connect with THE SPINDRIFT SAGA
WebsiteFacebookInstagram
SpotifyApple Music | Youtube

.

The Spindrift Saga.




Press Release 1st March 2024 (below) HERE

THE SPINDRIFT SAGA
release new album
“RUBBLE AND STONE”
Out Now

.

.

AMNPLIFY – DB