CD review TRACER "Water for the thirsty dog"

(8/10) This is pretty cool stuff from down under. When you think about Australia it's of course the mighty AC/DC that comes to your mind first. But there is also a grunge vibe existing in Australia. At least this is something Tracer teaches us.

It was in the beginning of the new century when singer/guitarist Michael Brown started the band, together with his brother and a good friend of the guys. 

"Water for the the thirsty dog" is already the third longplayer in the band's history; recorded by Michael Brown, Jett Heysen-Hicks (b) and Dre Wise on drums.

What convinces me most is the energy and the unbound elan the guys spread on this record. The trio has, as said, quite some grunge roots. But what makes things interesting is the fact that they merge it with some traditional hardrock and even some stoner elements. This sonic cocktail is a really tasty one. And last but not least it is amazing how much Brown's voice sounds like Chris Cornell from Soundgarden.

This fact gives a lot of the songs a Soundgarden touch - just without the bad weather Seattle vibe. It sounds more like the positive grunge feeling - if this exists ;)

The start into the album couldn't be much better. The opening triple begins with the title track which is a post-grunge track. It rocks pretty well and makes appetite for more. The faster "We're only animals" follows before "Us against the world" reduces the pace of the record. The tune comes with a grooving bassline and has a powerful chorus. 

The mentioned stoner influences break through in numbers like "Astronaut juggernaut". It's a booming track that has the potential to become a constant factor on Tracer's setlists.

Alice In Chains made an impact on Tracer too. At least you can get this idea while listening to "The machine" - a song that is reminiscent of the Seattle legends.

"Water for the thristy dog" is a great new album of the Austrialian trio and if the third record decides between success and oblivion I guess we will hear more of Tracer in the coming years.

(8/10)

Tracklist:

1. Water for the thirsty dog
2. We're only animals
3. Us against the world
4. Lazy
5. Astronaut juggernaut
6. Halfway to zero
7. The machine
8. Homeward bound
9. Owe you nothing
10. Tremors

Label: OMN

Genre: Hardrock

Release date EU: July 27th, 2015