COLD CHISEL: The Last Wave Of Summer (ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

In 1984, "Twentieth Century" had marked the end of the adventure for a Cold Chisel undermined by internal tensions. Since then, each member seemed to have found his balance within other bands or by succeeding in a solo career, especially Jimmy Barnes who became a real living idol. However, 14 years later, the Australian quintet is back in business in an atmosphere that seems to be more peaceful and serene. The new opus entitled "The Last Wave Of Summer" offers about fifteen tracks to fans ready to throw themselves on this unexpected album.

The great majority of the selected tracks were composed by Don Walker who does not hesitate to vary the atmospheres. Energetic and catchy rock ('The Things I Love In You'), AC/DC-like hard-rock with a powerful riff and a hammered chorus ('Baby's On Fire'), nervous and humorous rock with rockabilly accents ('Yakuza Girls') or big, powerful and sexy blues ('Pretty Little Thing'), alternate with moments devoted to softness. In this field, the keyboard player shows a beautiful personality by always slipping some elements allowing these titles not to show a too big classicism. Journey to the twilight with a haunting piano melody, 'Bal-A-Versailles' is based on a waltz rhythmic. The mid-tempo 'He Can't Believe It's Over With You' benefits from a catchy chorus and a round bass to transmit an emotion on the skin. As for 'So Hard', it plays on the duality of the softness of the piano and the bass, and the incandescence of the vocals and the guitar which oppose each other.

Wishing to privilege the authenticity to the quality of the production, the Australians recorded mainly in conditions close to the live. This state of mind transpires from most of the compositions, in particular the most socially committed ones with 'Mr. Crown Prosecutor', a real indictment against social and judicial iniquity and 'Red Sand', the only composition of Ian Moss, dealing with the sacrifice of several generations of aborigines. The tracks written by Steve Prestwich also show a beautiful sensitivity. 'Way Down' takes advantage of a two-part vocal to convey its melancholy, while 'Water Into Wine' is stripped down in acoustic mode for a delicate and soothing result. More classical, the compositions of Jimmy Barnes are not less catchy, in particular a very intense 'Never Stop Loving You'.

Rediscovering a true state of mind, both collective and authentic, Cold Chisel succeeds in making a winning comeback to the point of offering one of its best albums. Without any weak point, both varied and coherent, this opus is the one of a serene and sure formation of its strengths and qualities. Successful in every way, "The Last Wave Of Summer" is a must-have for the band's fans as well as for all rock lovers! - Official website

COLD CHISEL

THE LAST WAVE OF SUMMER

MUSHROOM

ROCK