The Datsuns - OuttaSight/Outta Mind

Tue 8th Jun, 2004 in Music Reviews

The sophomore effort is considered perhaps a band’s most challenging album. After their self-titled debut album attracted huge critical acclaim The Datsuns’ follow up Outta Sight/Outta Mind has delivered fans more classic 70s era fast, growling rock.

The Datsuns are proof that there will always be boys in the garage looking back into rock’s archaic past searching for the discarded riffs, rusted melodies and the tight jeans spirit of rock and roll. So talented are they at reviving these classic foundations of rock that legendary Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones insisted on producing Outta Sight/Outta Mind at Jacob’s studio in the English countryside.

Like their debut album Outta Sight/Outta Mind has the big heavy riffs, the screaming vocals and power drumming that brings amps and musical instruments to the point of meltdown. Outta Sight/Outta Mind takes us more on a rock journey, and is considered by guitarist Dolf as an “album of songs”, thus the album at times does not have the frenetic galloping pace of their debut, slowing down in places, allowing the listener to catch their breath.

Starting with the riff heavy Blacken My Thumb the Datsuns comfort fans of their first album that their approach to classic rock and roll has not changed. That Ain’t Right shows the Datsuns’ subtle use of blues, resulting in a song that even The Von Bondies would claim as their own.

The journey of the album takes us to The Datsuns most controlled song they have released Girls Best Friend. Although unmistakably The Datsuns, the restraint and craftsmanship of the song show a maturing of the band grasping the full dynamics of rock and roll. Never fear though, the next track Messin’ Around takes the listener straight back into familiar Dattos’ riffs and screams.

Cherry Lane sounds like the Datsuns with later Pete Towsend influence due to the haunting programmed keys subtley overlayed. The energetic kick rock of Get Up! (Don’t Fight It) does what the song title suggests. The kids will absolutely adore the song, and radio stations will lap it up, because, basically, its good old fashioned rock’n’roll fun! At just under two and a half minutes it leaves you wanting more, or pressing repeat on the player! (Don’t fight it).

If the Datsuns did not make it on their own steam Hong Kong Fury shows that they would make a very good Rage Against The Machine covers band. The driving rhythm of the chorus inspires thoughts of the American band, even if the verses are unmistakably The Dattos. The Datsuns again show they are capable of playing controled, melodic rock with What I’ve Lost before powering headlong again into classic Datsuns’ riffs with You Can’t Find Me. The blues influenced rock returns in Lucille and I Got No Words to finish off the “journey of songs” that makes up their second album.

While releasing a “steady as she goes” sophomore effort The Datsuns have displayed an increasing maturity to their song writing developing slightly diverse songs. While not quite packing the punch of their debut album the Datsuns prove they are the kings of 70s revival rock by backing up with a rich collection of well crafted rock tunes inspired by a bygone era.