The Celibate Rifles
Roman Beach Party

I admit I'm not very well-versed in Australian rock. I remember the legendary Radio Birdman, truly a great band and, in the '80s, the Died Pretty. It was the period when I was listening to the Detroit Sound, the Stooges, and Destroy All Monsters, listening experiences that were buried over time but never really forgotten. My interests were decidedly shifting towards psychedelia, Krautrock, Cosmic Music, and prog. But I can't say I don't occasionally go back to listening to some good old rock'n'roll, especially if it's well played. Now, the Celibate Rifles I only knew by name. Now Area Pirata (who else?) makes available, in a luxurious 180-gram vinyl with a gatefold cover (accompanied by notes and an interview with Kent Steedman and Damien Lovelock by Roberto Calabrò), the mythical Roman Beach Party. It's a record inspired by a totally insane performance recorded on the beach of Torvaianica as can be seen from the cover photo. Those who loved the Radio Birdmen and the Saints will definitely find a lot to enjoy with fast and corrosive tracks like the opening "Jesus On T.V.," the powerful "I Still See You," the instrumental ride "Frank Hyde (Slight Return)," and the long and dark "Ocean Shore." It's a burst of life to occasionally listen to albums like this, even if I might often return to the much calmer and evanescent atmospheres of psychedelia and prog. Nevertheless, for followers of the genre and the most genuine rock, this is a fundamental recovery and is proof of how Australians know how to do it! Available on Bandcamp at the following link: https://areapiratarec.bandcamp.com/album/roman-beach-party.