3.5/5 stars
Raised By Eagles aren’t new kids on the block – each member of the four-piece has spent years honing their craft playing in noisy pubs and clubs around Melbourne’s CBD – and this experience shows up in spades on the eight exquisitely crafted tracks that make up their second LP, Diamonds In The Bloodstream.
‘Falling Through’ sets the pace and tone of the record. While you could be forgiven for thinking that you’d unearthed a long-lost Dire Straits recording upon listening to the first few bars, lead vocalist Luke Sinclair’s distinctive style kicks in towards the chorus and commands your attention – and manages to hold it for the album’s entirety. Throughout, Sinclair’s natural talent for storytelling is once again on display.
‘Jackie’ captures a moment in time when innocence is lost and love leads to heartache. The mood takes a haunting turn on ‘Waterlines’ thanks to the dual songwriting efforts of Sinclair and lead guitarist Nick O’Mara, before country-funk riffs on ‘Days Fall’ drive the album to its comfortable conclusion.
Diamonds In The Bloodstream showcases Raised By Eagles at their raw and gritty best. Less harmonica than before, but way more heart.
Raised By Eagles’Diamonds In The Bloodstreamis available through SlipRail/Vitamin.
