Album review: ROSE TATTOO – Blood Brothers

Golden Robot Records [Release date 18.05.18]

When it comes to good Aussie heads down, blues based rock n roll, played with a sense of urgency there are only three bands that come immediately to mind. AC/DC, Cold Chisel and Rose Tattoo, and it is the latter that that are touring and re-issuing as we speak.

Active from 1976 to 1987, the band were influential to many a band- none more so then Guns n Roses who released their version of the track “Nice Boys” and in that brought new fans to Rose Tattoo. The band then reformed on and off until 1998 when they made things more permanent, albeit with a number of personnel changes. The album “Blood Brothers” was originally released in 2007 and has now been re-issued to include a number of bonus live tracks.

It is hard to believe that the album was only released in 2007 as it sounds like it could have been released at any time in the bands earlier career with its bluesy guitars, driving rhythm section and the powerful growl of the vocals from Angry Anderson.

“Nothing To Lose”, “Black Eyed Bruiser”, “Standover Man”, “1854” and “Once In A Lifetime” are instantly pleasing to the ear whilst “Lubricated” has an Axl Rose feel to it and it is clear to see the influence that Rose Tattoo have had on him over the years. The bonus live tracks are “Man About Town”, “Black Eyed Bruiser”, “Once In A Lifetime”, “Sweet Meat”, “Standover Man” and “Nothing to Lose” and the band still sound immense live.

If you are a fan of Rose Tattoo then you will love the “Blood Brothers” re-issue. If you’re not a fan, you soon will be. ****

Review by Nikk Gunns

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