ALBUM REVIEW – Georgia Gutterson
Aussie rock legends Luca Brasi are back in full swing with their sixth studio album The World Don’t Owe You Anything, the highly anticipated follow-up to 2021’s Everything is Tenuous, and fans old and new are in for a treat. This is the Luca Brasi we have come to know and love. But at the same time this is an evolved Luca Brasi who are returning with a fresh, newfound energy that pours into these 11 self-reflective tracks that make up the Tassie 4-piece’s most exciting record to date.
There couldn’t be a better way to kick it all off than with the opening track ‘The Entry Ramp’, which is a poignant and ambient introduction, hitting us right in the feels from the get-go with lyrics like “Sound of hope departing / Got this nothing feeling like the day’s already won.” The title track ‘The World Don’t Owe You Anything’ perfectly embodies the overall theme that is evident throughout the album – these guys have been through some pretty rough times, but they’ve come way too far to give it up now. And why would they, when they’re proving they’ve got so much more to give? An instantly memorable guitar riff, vigorous drums and a chorus that guarantees to have audiences across Australia screaming the words right back at the stage while crowd-surfing and spilling their pint of Carlton Draught all over the mosh pit – what more could we ask for?
‘Party Scene’, the first single released from the album, is undeniably one of the highlights; here we have an introspective and catchy track where vocalist Tyler Richardson questions if being the life of the party is worth losing sight of his genuine self; “Stretch myself thin / Oh the party scene’s got a hold on me.” The song has a very fittingly boppy, Kisschasy-esque chorus, while on the other hand the lyrics deliver the message that getting older and more mature isn’t actually a bad thing at all, because we’re able to recognise what’s most important to us and who we really are once the music has been switched off, the drinks have stopped flowing and your mates have all gone home.
Some other standout tracks include the fast-paced and punky ‘Habits’; the stripped back and humble ‘Sonny’; the effortlessly tight and anthemic ‘Til Forever’; and the singalong-worthy, penultimate track ‘Losin’, which contains one of the most epic guitar solos we’ve heard from Luca Brasi yet. There’s something for everyone in this impeccably arranged track list, with a delicious blend of early 00’s inspired alternative rock, indie punk and a touch of emo.
The final track, ‘A Place to Begin’, is the perfect place to finish. Through its simple yet masterful instrumentals, paired with the compelling and defiant lyrics delivered with Tyler’s beautifully raw emotion: “Stick a middle finger up to anyone who thinks that they’re the one who gets to run your show.” The world don’t owe you anything, and neither does this band. Luca Brasi are here for nobody but themselves, stronger and more self-realised than ever before.
Tour Dates
Thursday September 28
The Vanguard, Eora / SydneyFriday September 29
The Curtin, Naarm / MelbourneSaturday September 30
Stranded Bar, Meanjin / BrisbaneSunday October 1
Deep South Brewing, Nipaluna / Hobart – SOLD OUT
