A lot of water’s passed under the Story Bridge since Brisbane’s Dr Bombay released their debut album “Dose” three years ago. Amicable line-up changes mean that just two original members, singer Gary Slater and guitarist Stewart De Lacy, remain.
What hasn’t altered is Slater’s grasp of what makes great songwriting. The ex-Voodoo Lust and latter-day Trilobites frontman came up with all 13 of the tracks on “Spit Your Out Like Revenue” - and there are some pearlers in the ranks.
The brash “Follow The Leader” is the lead-off airplay track. Brisbane’s enlightened 3ZZZ is playing it and the the next one to follow should be the title tune,“Spit You Out Like Revenue”.
“Revenue” is one of those rousing, hooky pop gems with which the Voodoos used to pepper their sets. Confident and poised, it unfolds with a commanding Slater vocal and builds on the layered guitar work of De Lacy. Guest Screaming’ Stevie’s organ is a classy addition. Some Kuepper-esque chording with some slash and burn guitar in the swelling outro is the icing.
"Didn't See That Comin'" is a little more acerbic and a contrast to some of the other fresh-faced, melodic pop. That word "melody" being critical and never far from the surface. Just when you think a cut like "Before I Break" is going to end up as fairly rote pop, that melodic intent saves the day.
"All I Need" is a jaunty singalong with a chorus that's as catchy as it's obvious. No complaints here.
“Shades Of Green” shows Dr Bombay extending the sonic palette by some degrees; Screaming’ Stevie’s keys and a tidal surge bass-line show the way with synthesised horns punching in and out. There's clearly a bit of experimentation afoot with the sound. On the next album - yeah, they should have another one in them - I'd love to hear Dr Bombay take it to even more different places, sonically speaking.
Most of Dr Bombay’s songs have a light pop-rock touch, but De Lacy dirties his tone for the heavier “Didn’t See That Comin’”. Stevie adds a Stax soul organ to ”Death of Me” with a remotely country twang to the guitar. De Lacy unreels some of his best guitar work on the tough closer, “Do You Feel It Too?”, where Joe Thorburn’s dynamic drumming comes to the fore.
It's pop, but not as Tay-Tay and Brianna (and their producers know it), Jim. Old-fashioned pop, if you like, played by humans. How unfashionable. Thank fuck for that.
