An Eye for a Brow, A Tooth for a Pick

There is a constant debate amongst everyone from schoolkids to the intelligentsia over what the definition of cool is. Shakespeare probably got the closest when he wrote 'above all else, be true to thyself'. Ground Components certainly have done that. And they've made a record that is cool. Very cool. Cool in it's total lack of pretension and a resolute focus on rock and fun. Opening with the schizophrenic 'On Your Living Room Floor', blending creepy keyboards, barking commands (otherwise known as Joe McGuigan's vocals), screaming guitars and (of course) a childrens' choir, the resistance to external influences is stamped all over this ultra confident, ultra cool debut. Did I mention it was cool? MC Macromantics joins in on the unexpected delight 'Coming in From All Angles', while the stunningly tight groove of rhythm section Indra Adams and Joe's brother Simon come storming to the fore on 'Head in the Sand' and the 70's Cop Show inspired 'Stale Thoughts'.
But the two clear highlights are the pseudo-Spaghetti Western/horror movie theme 'Fistful of Dallas' and the extended cover of Dylan's 'It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding). Stretched out to over 8 minutes, it never steps below exhilirating and inventive. Eye for a Brow... is chock full of vision and ambition; Ground Components have created one of the most confident and impressive debuts from an Aussie band for years. An absolute corker of an Aussie record.
And it's cool.