Album Review: The Datsuns - Death Rattle Boogie

With a tight, destructive live set, The Datsuns were the toast of the music industry for about 15 minutes in 2002, but it's been a story of mostly diminishing returns since. Named after the car brand that was strong in the '70s but soon entered terminal decline, it's a reference that couldn't be more apt as these Kiwis have steadfastly refused to update their unapologetically balls-out rawk (they'd probably break into a rash if ever presented with a drum machine or sampler).

Gods Are Bored rolls out of the gate with all the feedback, drones and tangible scuzz you might expect a classic rock opener might, yet all the trimmings can't disguise the fact that there's not enough meat on this rooster, what with its yawnsome chorus and mundane lyrics. Even the titles (Hole In Your Head, Fools Gold, etc.) seem secondhand. The one real surprise here, though, is slow burner Wander The Night, with its spectral, haunted fun fair vibe. Aside from that, there's precious little that doesn't resemble a depressingly muddy Xerox of former glories.

In recent interviews, lead singer Dolf de Borst spoke of dissecting the records he really loves, but you get the feeling that the grooves on all his Blue Oyster Cult LPs must be worn nearly all the way through. This vehicle needs more than just a lick of paint. Extensive reconditioning and new spark plugs transmitting fresh inspiration are what's required to make this motor run again.