Everybody loves a compilation album, don’t they?  Even if its a taster that’ll put you on notice to never buy a Ted Nugent record ever after hearing Axe Attack as a kid.

When you hear some band from a far off land pre-internet and then have to go on a ten-year hunt to find that record that was only released in Australia we’ve all been there haven’t we?  Well in 2019 and with all the playlists under the sun I find myself getting quite excited with the release of a couple of compilation albums and The Last Testament is one of those records that has some bands I’m familiar with and some I’m not which has me intrigued and rather like my ten-year-old self quite excited at the prospect of maybe discovering my new favourite band.

I did chuckle to myself when I read the press sheet and it asked the questions are you fed up of wimpy kids with effects pedals?  Uh, Yes!  Do you like hard drugs and cannibalism?  Um, not really but I’m listening. and then do you want to punch a cop in the face? Fuckin’ Hell yeah!  How about six bands two songs each spread out over roughly twenty-five minute?  Not going to tax even the most easily distracted hipster.  If I were to inform you that the six bands were Black Mambas, the Cavemen, The Scaners, The Fadeaways, Les Lullies and Nave Nodriza. Now you’re interested!

Those Black Mambas are ‘Up All Night’ shaking their shit like its the last night on earth and they’re the house band.  Catchy and punchy as fuck Man I love Black Mambas. The Cavemen play fast live faster and get to the end of the tune fastest.  Its garage punk it’s lightning fast and it’s a fuckin’ banger if you know the band you know what to expect its a chaotic one and a half minutes that’s barely hanging on to reality let alone any sanity ‘My Baby Knows’ is a killer! the Scaners start off like a cold vintage car before igniting the jet engine and away we go.

The Fadeaways do slow it down on ‘I’m Useless’ with a groovy slice of garage rock n roll before Les Lullies turn the amps right up and slam out some rapid rock and roll like a cross between Sonny Vincent and Chuck Berry there are some awesome guitar licks in there and one of the best tracks on offer on this collection.  I’ve been blown away by Les Lullies and what I’ve heard so far.  Side one is closed with Nava Nodriza with ‘Destruyete’ that’s like Captin sensible joined Motorhead and just Destroyed it.  That’s side one shut down then now to flip it and see what’s cooking on the dark side.

Well, more of the same from the same bands (no surprise there then) What you do get is another six excellent tunes.  If I were to pick a winner it might go to Black Mambas for their Cramps meets Quo meets Stray Cats amped up rock n roll ‘Baby I’ll Give It To You’ which is just superb.  Dirty Water has released some fantastic records over the years and introduced some awesome bands that have lightened up a special corner of my life and no doubt countless others.  Compilation albums like this can only be a good thing no make that a great thing.  Check it out then check out the individual bands and we’re all winners.  Brilliant – loud – wild rock and roll just how I like it!