AC/DC is without question one of the best known of the Australian bands. Their worldwide success is an inspiration to their countrymen. Spiderbait is another band from Down Under ready to make the leap to a larger audience. This trio from the title Finley consist of Kram (drums, lead vocals), cousin Whitt (guitar and vocals) and Janet (bass/vocals). Long on vocalists and talent but short on names, the band's stated goal is to make every album track sound as if it were by a different group. Primarily using a punk rock sound, Spiderbait throws reggae, funk, country, Spanish guitar and a horn section into the mix. These styles find their way into different tracks, and Spiderbait does have different musical styles on the album tracks.
The Unfinished Spanish Galleon of Finley Lake is a title and a half. It refers to a galleon restoration project in the trio's home town. This album is the band's first release on a major label, and the one that has gotten them tours of Canada and the U.S. The band's strong lyrics and vocals are sometimes buried in the high speed punk rush to the finish lines. Songs like "I Gotta Know", "Sam Gribbles" and "Jesus" need several listens to retrieve lyrics behind the energy and venom of drums and guitar. Spiderbait is said to be a showstopper in concert where they attract wild moshers and stage divers. The band's concern for safety and the feeling their audience isn't really listening helped lead them from being a club band to the more traditional album/touring arrangement.
Spiderbait built their strong fan base in Australia. If you like punk with some eccentric grooves, pick up The Unfinished Galleon.
