10 years on from their eponymous debut and The Datsuns are finally back on the Australian music scene. With a cracking new record Death Rattle Boogie released last month, it’s an awesome return for the Kiwi hard rockers.
What’s even more impressive is the fact they’ve put it together while living in four different cities.
As guitarist Phil Somervell states, it’s this distance between members that has led to the extended time between releases.
“It’s been the best part of three years since we’ve put out a record really,” he begins. “It’s just the logistical side of getting together that’s taken a while.”
With lead singer Dolf De Borst stationed in Stockholm, Sweden, guitarist Christian Livingstone in London, drummer Ben Cole in Wellington, New Zealand and Somervell in Auckland; you could forgive the band for taking a few years to release their fifth record.
Despite the time it has taken to get the album out, which has been some source of frustration for the group, it’s clear the band are glad it’s finally out there.
“We’re super happy with it ay,” as Somervell, says in his distinctly Kiwi manner, “it’s been a while in the making so sometimes it got a bit annoying.” Overall the band has managed to make a record that really captures what they’re about, which is their blistering, high-energy live show.
“Essentially we’re a live band and we built our reputation from doing a lot of touring. We feel like we’ve captured the live show as best we can.”
A clear affinity with classic rock n roll might have seen The Datsuns pigeon holed, but since their debut record they have managed to take a love of that sound, mix it with other influences and inject bucket loads of energy to make it their own.
“It definitely sounds like a Datsuns record, even if we try and do something different… it just sounds like us anyway,” affirms Somervell.“Essentially we’re a live band and we built our reputation from doing a lot of touring. We feel like we’ve captured the live show as best we can.”
An acceptance of this fact means they can simply concentrate on writing songs that they clearly love and want to play live. Plans of making a purely psychedelic rock record or focusing on one influence are only briefly discussed.
“There was never really any plan, there’s the odd conversation… There’s some of that stuff on it but there are other influences that come through as well. If we do too much of one thing it seems like we lose a little bit of attention.”
With the release of Death Rattle Boogie it also happens to coincide, by accident according to Somervell, with the 10-year anniversary of the release of their self-titled debut.
While clearly not ones to reminisce too much, the guitarist touches briefly on the process of their debut.
“The recording of the first album happened in about 10 days it was when we were playing hundreds of shows a year, it was a little bit of blur. I’m surprised we’re still together to be honest but we’re still kicking and still just winging it really,” says the guitarist.
With the spirit of winging it and making a record that captures the energy that has become synonymous with The Datsuns since their debut. They also enlisted the aide of Nicke Andersson, frontman for Swedish garage rock band The Hellacopters, taking the title of co-producer, he clearly had a positive effect during the recording process.
“He’s awesome, super passionate about music in a real light hearted fun way, so to have that energy around us when we’re recording was really essential because you can get so self-involved in what you’re doing.”
Somervell speaks of Andersson with a tone of respect reserved for rock icons and mentors, indicating if it weren’t for The Hellacopters, The Datsuns simply wouldn’t be around.
Continuing on the role Andersson took on, the guitarist states, “we really respected his opinion on what was a good take because he’s seen us live so he knows what we’re capable of.” “I’m surprised we’re still together to be honest but we’re still kicking and still just winging it really…”
Discussing the time the band has spent apart and getting the record together, Somervell continues to bring up the anticipation of touring.
“Now it’s done we just want to play it live.” Particularly touring a record that has really captured the energy that they bring to the stage and also considering it’s the only time they really get to spend together.
Embarking on a national tour of Australia in November that takes in some towns the band haven’t been to before, like Toowomba and Port Macquarie for Festival Of The Sun, The Datsuns are ensuring they maintain a presence from across the ditch.
“Australia’s like a second home, especially Melbourne,” says Somervell. “That’s where we used to play 5 shows in a week and go home.”
The guitarist says that fans can expect to see some older tunes at Festival Of The Sun but it’s the new material he really wants to get out there and play.
“Our energy picks up when it’s real current for us and I think it’s the energy that people are attracted to.”
Spending so much time apart and in different cities would fracture most bands and more than likely see the end of them. As Somervell states it’s playing live and the chance to play together that seems to reinvigorate the band.
“It’s awesome fun, we used to live on the road and just go through heaps of ups and downs together. Now when we tour its more like three or four weeks and it’s generally good times because we know we’re not sure when we’ll see each other again or when we might be touring together.”
It’s this sense of perhaps being the last record or the last tour that keeps this band so fresh and that enviable energy on stage that makes them a must-see live act.
“We’re all aware of that and we recognise the specialness of it all and a bit more grateful for being able to do what we’re doing and still have fun,” the guitarist explains.
“Living in different cities has actually kept us together really it’s helped the longevity of the band in a funny way.”
Whatever it is that has kept these four guys together, all we can hope is that it lasts a hell of a lot longer.
Death Rattle Boogie is out now through Hellsquad Records. Read the Tone Deaf review here. The Datsuns head out on a national headline tour this December. Full dates and details here. As well as the award-winning Festival Of The Sun in December. Full details here.
