Album Review: The Toot Toot Toots - Outlaws

Singing of the devil, death and all things ghastly, The Toot Toot Toots are part of Victoria's prolific 'dark folk' family alongside spook siblings Brothers Grim and Graveyard Train. The impressive packaging that envelopes Outlaws is made of 100% recycled material – including nifty cardboard palm cards containing each song lyric.

Set around the story of émigré Eli Rayne, the record explores the unsettling, bloody effect his arrival has on the gold rush town of Gomorrah Fields. Ol' Ted's Habits kicks off with Giuliano Ferla's unique grunting vocals and a kicking snare roll, while the horn-led and punk-edged Lily Of Sharon takes the listener on a different journey, concluding with a minute of manic wah-drenched guitar.

The Foreigner's Daughter Part 1 & Part 2 are wonderfully-written tracks, the latter culminating in some magnificent multi-layered vocals. Ferla navigates between Al-Barr-meets-Tom-Waits hard-edged vocals, to softer, more melodic folk cries. In My Defence is the darkest song on the album, exploring life living as a suspect in a small town.

Initiating the inspiring and fresh concept of a narrative running throughout the dozen songs engages the listener. This is the case moreso, in this reviewer's opinion, than a totally unrelated collection of songs. Boasting folk, punk, rockabilly and even gospel-inspired doo-wop pop elements across the dozen tracks, Outlaws is a vivaciously versatile listening experience. With an acclaimed live show that includes go-go dancers and a brass section, The Toot Toot Toots are an act worth catching live. 

Paired beautifully with your dark ale of choice, this collection of devilish ditties will quench the most discerning of sonic thirsts.