The Dirty Secret - SelfTitled

Thu 10th Apr, 2008 in Music Reviews

Perth four-piece The Dirty Secrets have been banging around the WA music scene for years now. Recent support slots for Muse and OKGO, as well as international tours, have launched their name into the foreground of homegrown successes. As comparisons are inevitable in most debut album reviews, The Dirty Secrets channels such contemporaries as The Horrors, The Killers, The Strokes, Art Brut, The (International) Noise Conspiracy and Franz Ferdinand.

Since their release of first single Five Feet of Snow, The DS have elaborated upon their sound with more synth and keyboard experimentation, as is so popular now. Aided by producers Nick Terry and Alan Brey (Klaxons, The Libertines, Ian Brown, Franz Ferdinand, amongst others), this record is solid in building melodic verses and dancefloor value.

The self-titled debut begins strongly with Jarrah McCleary’s Brandon Flowers -esque vocals reaching above synthesisers and Woody Taylor’s tight drumming in Five Feet of Snow, initially released as a single last year. Second single My Heart Is on Fire channels more Strokes and International Noise Conspiracy references, where a rising bridge paves the way for a shout-along chorus, “My heart is on fire and my skin is alive…for you.” Continuing with the already-familiar singles and subsequent dancefloor requests, Triple J staple Lighthouse is undoubtedly the standout of the record. Both lyrically and musically infectious, the track is a destined indie hit, tailor-made for – œ80s shuffling and elbows-to-hips grooving. Kele Okereke’s yelps could easily fit into this rock juggernaut.

Following tracks Devils Inside and Running Tonight tend to blend into one another, with sporadic drum solos and monotonous singing as a running theme. Axe-wielding Mike Sanders is allowed plenty of room for experimentation in such tracks. Can’t Stop thankfully ups the ante once more, with a very Van She Kelly pulsating rhythm throughout: not necessarily a bad thing. Sharks is another highlight, with some ambidextrous drumming and Waz Page delivering a sexy bassline to sink your teeth into. Such moments provide evidence that The DS would pack a mighty energetic punch in their renowned live shows.

Whilst the highly-anticipated debut from The Dirty Secrets may not break musical barriers, it does demand subsequent listens – even if just to get your dance on. I know there’s something down below, so I’ll keep reaching in.