Aardvark - Tough Love (2024)

★★★

Arguably one of the more bizarre releases we tried to get our hands on, Aardvark’s Tough Love is 43 minutes of fun riffs, energetic songwriting, and a whole lotta charisma. Hot on the heels of two singles released in 2023 and earlier this year in 2024, these hard-rockin’ Aussies have thrown together an albeit amateur but thrilling debut full-length. Clearly inspired by traditional metal of the 1980s, the songs focus not on musical complexity, but driving riffs and pleasing melodies sure to stick around in your head. While the vocals might leave a bit to be desired, we are shown a range by frontman/guitarist Ed Vaark and when paired with his fellow axe-wielder Sorcha Wilcox, a furious culmination of passion, ambition, and fire is unleashed. The rhythm work is solid too – with simple, yet pounding drum work and a low bass growl pushing each song ahead. It may not be their best work, but this Aussie quartet certainly have potential and overall, presented us with a lovely first record. I can’t wait to see what weird antics they get up to next!

FAVORITE TRACKS: "Tough Love," "Fire," "Too Old to Cry"

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Originally published in March '24 (Issue No. 2)