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As a long time fan of stoner rock and grunge, I knew from the opening track End of the Samurai I was going to fucking love this album. Tracer’s debut album L.A.? has found a permanent home in my stereo. I swear I have listened to this from start to finish at least five times and am yet to hear one part that doesn’t make me play air guitar while leaping off my lounge. This is a flawless, perfectly executed half hour pummelling full of complex, melodic riffs and relentless, uncompromising vocals.
Musically, the first six songs are an even blend of the stoner riffs reminiscent of early Queens of the Stone Age and an 80’s metal crunch that almost verges on Black Sabbath. The seventh track, Sleep by the Fire, is nothing short of an electric guitar masterpiece. I can only assume guitarist Michael Brown is the original creator of the instrument, and has in fact been secretly laying down riffs and solos for every band I have loved for the past two decades. Seriously, this reviewer had creamed himself by about the fourth or fifth solo on this album. Epic.
Vocals by brothers Leigh and Michael Brown are nothing short of brutal. Think of a more raspy and masculine Chris Cornell of early Soundgarden, then double it. I have no doubt this album captures the raw intensity of each singer’s vocal style, and am disbelief that the vocals could get any better when performed live.
Normally at this point in a review I would list some stand out tracks and tell you why. Not for Tracer, the entire album stands by itself and needs no single track to hold it together. If you do want to get a feel for their sound, I do recommend playing lead single Wrecking Ball, as it is the only song falling under four minutes and wil probably be the track that will makes it way to the radio.
Lastly, this reviewer feels the need to draw attention to the exceptional album production for this unsigned Adelaide trio. I can honestly say I haven’t heard such a slick, professional sounding recording for a debut album for quite some time. Complete respect to Tracer, and everyone who has supported them on this record. See you at your next gig.