Review AIRBOURNE “Airbourne”

Sometimes a band simply knows exactly what it wants to sound like. Airbourne are one of those bands. Since their early days, the Australians have stood for loud guitars, straight-ahead riffs, rock ’n’ roll attitude, and songs that feel like they were made to be played with the volume turned way up. With their self-titled sixth studio album, the band once again embraces everything that makes Airbourne what they are — and they do it with plenty of energy.

There are few bands that represent the spirit of rock ’n’ roll as well as Airbourne. This becomes especially clear during the band’s explosive live shows, but the four Australians also manage to bring that same energy to their albums.

After Airbourne reinforced their live credentials at some of Europe’s major festivals, the day has now come for a new album. Simply titled Airbourne, the band’s sixth record is another hard-hitting chapter in their impressive history. Taking inspiration from bands like AC/DC, the four guys have developed a sound of their own, and with every album, it gains more identity.

It has been a while since Boneshaker was released in 2019, so there has been a fair amount of anticipation surrounding this record. The new album brings together twelve tracks, including previously released songs such as “Gutsy,” “Alive After Death (Last Plane Out),” “Christmas Bonus,” and “Kid In A Candy Store.”

With Airbourne, it’s first and foremost about having fun, and you can hear that in every song on Airbourne. There’s the driving force of “Kid in a Candy Store,” which immediately gives you the impression that, for these four Aussies, the candy store is filled with heavy riff power. And honestly, that sounds like a pretty good place to spend an afternoon.

Airbourne have never been known for compromising when it comes to their musical direction. “Gutsy,” the album’s lead single, makes that clear right away. The song shows that the band still has the punch and impact fans have come to expect from them.

Whether it’s the faster tracks or the grooving “Sky High,” Airbourne remain true to their musical roots. “Christmas Bonus” delivers a pulsating rocker that is anything but a Christmas song. Headbanging is pretty much mandatory when “Rock ’n’ Roll Ya” comes roaring out of the speakers, while “Bogotá” takes a mid-tempo approach and simply puts a smile on your face. Things continue with the stomping “Hell’s Got No Vacancy,” before “Send Me to Rock ’n’ Roll Heaven” brings this strong hard rock album to a fitting conclusion.

Airbourne remain true to themselves and their sound, something that is already reflected in the album’s title. The Australians’ sixth album is an ode to rock ’n’ roll and hard rock. It’s the caffeine kick in the morning and the party soundtrack at night. Airbourne is a 24/7 energy boost that deserves a place in your record collection.