Long known in their native Australia, You Am I have found limited success in the United States. With a little luck that is about to change. Months after releasing their latest album, Convicts, in their native country, the band just joined the powerhouse Yep Roc line-up.*
Although I don’t find Convicts, their Yep Roc debut, as consistent as the band’s earlier releases, it stays true to their signature sound. This is rock with a capital “R†– roaring guitars that will slap you across the face with an equally lethal backbeat.
For samples of the band’s earlier shoulda-been hits, seek out “Dress Me Slowly†and “Deliverance†for great rock and roll tracks like “Kick a Hole in the Sky†and “Who Put the Devil in You.†Even better, look for You Am I on rare U.S. tours and you’ll see a band rock your local music club like the Who playing the Boston Garden. Seriously.
Audio Download: I Can’t Explain [audio:http://www.youami.net/mp3s/rarities/You%20Am%20I%20-%20Can%27t%20Explain.mp3]
[source: You Am I]
*John Doe offered his perspective on Yep Roc at the 2005 SXSW Music Festival: “I like my new label. Unlike other labels, they’re all about ‘yep.’â€
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.