Review: Nick Oliveri and The Black Armada – Up and Down Under

Australia’s The Black Armada have barely been together a year and have already been dishing out their big groove driven stoner rock supporting the likes of John Garcia & The Band of Gold, Earthless and 1000 Mods. It looked as though music was to be put to tape until the departure of their vocalist a few months back and the current situation around the world has obviously adjusted their plans a bit. I have no doubt through, that after watching their latest live recordings, good things will be coming out The Gold Coast soon.

Back to the song on hand, a twist of fate saw them cross paths and play with a certain Nick Oliveri as he toured Australia last year and a musical friendship was formed, which turned into the track we have here, Up and Down Under.

Starting with a few formidable punk rock chords backed with Nick’s in your face vocals, the riffs kick in early and don’t let up for the next three minutes. Switching between Christian Tryhorn’s big “hit the pedal” driving guitar grooves and the more melodic guitar work entwined with the driving basslines. Up and Down Under tells the tale of Jekyll and Hide which is very fitting for the two musical styles coming together so well, and hearing Nick scream the words is oh so him. Everything is held together with some big drum work from Liam Burgan and the production/mix only makes it sound bigger. I also have to mention how Nick’s voice seems to be getting stronger with every new recording he does lately. 

Head over to Bandcamp to get yourself a digital copy for the collection.