Hellbound review for Buzz. 1995.
Author Unknown
Punkish rockabilly trio the Living End draw from the look and sound of fifties
rockers the likes of Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran,
and more recent revivalists the Stray Cats. They add to this a hefty shot of
punk and end with energetic, fiery, aggressive, pounding sound with
loads of charm.
The eight track mini-album, Hellbound is a beauty, packed with
gems like the frenzied opener Trace Of Doubt, the surf guitar of the
title track, the snotty punk rock of The Living End and the rockabilly shuffle
of Strange. Tabletop Show is a gritty plodder with great harmonies,
Headlines and Misspent Youth are powerful slices of punk, and the closing tune So
Lonely is a fun, boppy rock n' roller.
The Living End are
the sort of band that keeps rock n' roll fresh, regardless of their derivative
nature. It's the energy and enthusiasm that gets you in, as well as
the beat of the drums and the slappin' double bass, the great guitar work and
the strong songs. Brilliant!