This debut is years ahead of where it should be.
Already stirring up the Rock world, this trio from Australia will definitely turn heads and ears with the (formerly) Melbourne-based Tequila Mockingbyrd now celebrating their debut 'Fight And Flight'. Taking a straight-up Rock sound and mixing it up with a Punk attitude, we have a heavy energised threesome that will Rock you well in to the wee hours!
Fronted by vocalist and guitarist Estelle Artois, and joined by bassist Jess Reily and drummer Josie O'Toole, these Rockers lay down chords and rhythms that are short, sweet and deadly accurate! Plus, they do not, I repeat, do not pull any punches, whether we are talking musically or lyrically!
Out of the thirteen numbers here, only two are over the four and a half minute mark. However, they all pack an enormous punch and are explosive journeys of music that will Rock you to your very core. Both the music and lyrics are razor sharp as is their delivery! This is a power trio in its truest form, a nuclear powered Rock threesome that push hard and fast! Their blistering guitar, provocative lyrics and driving rhythms will hold sway over you until they decide they are finished. These three certainly know how to push the Hard Rock envelope!
It is worth highlighting that TM are a young group – formed in 2012 – yet these women display a musical maturity that belies their age. Their song structure is perfectly formed, precise and hard hitting. In September 2016, the group decided to re-locate to the UK where they concentrated on extensive touring around the country and continent, and it shows!
As well as this trio packing a musical punch, their performances are also very solid – of course that is what extensive roadwork does. Just give a listen to 'This Ain't Dead' and you will quickly hear that tightness, their musical maturity and their deadly aim straight at your musical heart! Artois' voice is a pillar of strength and she has a Bluesy-tinge as well!
Hardened Rock flows throughout this album, each number shaped by all three members of the group, with the pulsating bass and precise percussion giving Artois the vast spectrums of sound to vocally paint on. This debut is years ahead of where it should be, but so too are Artois, Reily and O'Toole.
As for this debut, I think Tequila Mockingbryd have only just scratched the surface!
Bruce E.J. Atkinson