Customer Reviews

The Datsuns

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Of all the up-and-coming bands these days with the slightly retro focus and rowdy mixtures of punk, metal, and glam (and there are loads of them), the Datsuns may have the best chance of breaking out of the early glut. While this debut is not groundbreaking in any way, the Datsuns are fun to listen to and show real potential. The album starts out rather predictably with conventional retro rock workouts, faltering a bit with the clumsy "Harmonic Generator." But with the fifth track things suddenly get much more interesting, as the Datsuns show their surprisingly deft jam band tendencies. There is real potential in the powerful rave-up "What Would I Know," while unexpectedly funky grooves break out in "Fink for the Man" and "Freeze Sucker." Meanwhile "In Love" reveals a sly T.Rex influence from beneath the hubbub. The only weakness in the Datsuns sound is Dolf's vocals, which show little independent thought or style. He imitates a variety of classic punk and metal singers, alternating among Iggy Pop, Mick Jagger, Axl Rose, and even Bon Scott in successive tracks. Apart from the vast need for improvement in the vocal department, if the Datsuns grow beyond the need to fit into current trends and learn to maximize their evident musical abilities, they may deliver something groundbreaking in the future. [~doomsdayer520~]

Well, I don't live in America, I live in New Zealand, which is where these guys come from.
I've seen them play live 3 times now, and believe everything you've heard about their live shows, they are [absolutely] amazing! Which is what they do best play live, I view the CD as just a way familiarie yourself for the live show.
It's a really good though, which was produced to give it the live feel. It's the kind of CD that you can listen to every track.

The stand outs in my opinion would be:
sittin pretty
MF from Hell
Lady
Harmonic Generator (the best on the CD)
Fink for the man (close second, damn close...)
and In Love

They got their big break when the White Stripes played in NZ and were diggin' the Datsuns and got them to open all their shows and tour with them in the States, so they've got some cred. and then NME and Britain went crazy for them and next thing you know, they playing at the Brats, and winning best live band over such prestigious competition as the Hives and the Vines.

So if you like hard rock, 70's style, then buy this! buy it now! if you like all the current "it" bands like the "the" bands you are guaranteed to like it.
Peace.

one more thing. Sick riffs... amazing...

The second I pressed play on this cd I was assaulted with a huge battalion of sound. This (to me) is a sign of a cd I'm goin to listen to for a while. While I do agree with some people when they say that the drums are quite weak most of the time and the vocals leave much to be desired, the important thing is that this cd may very well make your nana explode if played loud enough

I have seen the Datsuns twice live, both time in small venues, and they are definitely one of the hardest rocking bands I have ever seen (and I have seen hunderds of bands). They were so good the first time I saw them that I just had to go back to see them again just to get the sheer pleasure of seeing a great rock and roll band giving all they have got on stage. Sadly, it is true that this recording does not quite capture their live sound, as often happens with great live bands such as the MC5 (that is why I am only giving four stars). Having said that, some songs on the CD come pretty close (e.g., Freeze Sucker, which is the highlight of their live shows). Live, the three guys in the front play like MFs from hell. The only weak link in the band appears to be the drummer. Although he is not a bad player at all, he seems to be lacking in power, which also shows on the CD. Overall, however, I strongly recommend this CD. And you MUST see them live!!

I lived in Venezuela and I guess I was lucky enough to see this band a few days ago at HOB in New Orleans. With just an audience of around 50 or less, this young guys burned out Decatur St. What a wonderful show! There's an attitude that certain young bands have, which reflects the passion for what they believe is the heart of their proposal in the musical world. That's the case of The Datsuns. So it's rock, guitar riffs, simple arrangements...with the attitude of bands that, (assuming they can keep those strengths long enough) can reach extraordinary success. So do not hesitate if you want to hear The Datsuns, and try to catch them while only 50 persons go to their shows.

One of the beautiful things about music is that with it, you can become closer to people you don't know. And with that, I wish to thank Phil at Frank's Music for knowing me well enough to know that I would love the Datsuns. "You like the Hives, right?" "Well, yeah." "Take them, and multiply them by thirty." "Wow"
He was right. The Datsuns are the epitome of what rock and roll should be. Hooky riffs, screamed lyrics, excessive cursing. They are the opposite of everything that rock and roll has been for the last ten years. It seems as if guitar heroics died when Nirvana broke with Nevermind. The Datsuns, as opposed to everybody else popular right now aren't afraid to solo. It's a good time record, filled with the aforementioned hooky riffs, and sing-a-long choruses. (Case in point, MF From Hell)
The downfall of this album is if it isn't listened to closely, some would say it all sounds the same, so some may be turned off quickly. But if you listen to this album, instead of hearing it, you'll hear the differences between songs and appreciate each one for its individual merits. To sum it up, The Datsuns equal rock music.

The Datsun's rock as a Zepplin, Doors and Black Crowes montage. This is a modern Classic Rock album. I can't wait for more from this band.

Oh man! These guys are great. If you're a fan of 70's hard rock this will kick your butt. Great beat, GIANT, amazing guitar solos (without being overtechnical or cheesy), and great riffs. Big arena sized rock. This is just old school, good time rock and roll. The even throw in an organ for back up at times. Yes, remember when rock and roll was fun? The only thing that took time to get used to, and sets it apart from most 70's rock, is the singer's voice. Very high pitched and he likes to shriek and howl his lyrics a lot. But it works for this band. Once you get past that it will all come together. Kind of makes you realize why you started rocking out in the first place.

Who knew Kiwis could rock this hard? Nothing cerebral here, just good old-fashioned 70's-style crotch rock. So over-the-top in parts I laughed out loud. (MF From Hell, Freeze Sucker). Radiohead, they ain't. Listening to the Datsuns is kind of like eating Sunday leftovers: you see some things you recognize from the past all jumbled together. Take AC/DC, the Stooges, Deep Purple, and Motorhead and run 'em through a blender. Check it out!

the datsuns are a great NEW ZEALAND band.Awesome CD. Cool live preformances. They are not Australian (see recent review). Songs have more hooks than a commercial fishing vessel.

those people who don't know the difference between australia and new zealand....look at an atlas! Especially handy for those americans who want to invade other countries. Or do i mean canadians?