"Alright! Time for some FUN!" A nameless voice opens 2022's
Real Rare Whale, the fourth album from raucous Australian punks the
Dune Rats, with those words, and never let it be said these guys don't live up to their promises.
Dune Rats have made their name as a bunch of lovably lowbrow dudes who like loud guitars, getting wasted, and cheerfully obvious humor, and after the success of 2017's
The Kids Will Know It's Bullshit and 2020's
Hurry Up and Wait, they're smart enough not to mess too much with the formula on
Real Rare Whale. It's one of many albums that were made in the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, written while they were isolated in a small fishing village in New South Wales. Unlike most artists,
Dune Rats didn't allow the circumstances to make them pensive or gloomy. Instead, they wanted good times to come back, and
Real Rare Whale is the sound of three guys determined to will them back into existence, and generally succeeding. In its 29 minutes, this album covers all the major topics -- big cars ("LTD"), getting drunk ("Drink All Day"), having an epic hangover ("What a Memorable Night"), getting back your tax refund and spending it like a fool ("UP"), and crushing on the pretty woman on TV ("Pamela Aniston"). If maturity enters the picture at all on
Real Rare Whale, it's mostly in the
Dune Rats' commitment to craft. Just as
Hurry Up and Wait sounded a bit tidier and cleaner than
The Kids Will Know It's Bullshit,
Real Rare Whale once again ups the ante; even if this doesn't sound slick by most standards, the SoCal-style melodies are executed with greater confidence, the yell-along harmonies sound as if they may have practiced them before, and it appears competent professionals were stepping in to help record it. Even though craft isn't exactly the point with this band,
Real Rare Whale is the sound of the
Dune Rats caring just enough to deliver for their fans, and that does make a difference. The album was made by a band who know they're lucky to be able to make a living as beer-drunk dirtbags, and they're grateful for it. It's part of what makes the
Dune Rats consistently likable reprobates, and if charm goes a long way,
Real Rare Whale demonstrates just how much that matters. ~ Mark Deming
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