Album Review: Augustines – Augustines

After three years, alternative rockers Augustines have returned with their second album – a self-titled record showing the world who they are and what they’re about. The trio formerly known as We Are Augustines released their debut album Rise Ye Sunken Ships in 2011 which was named iTunes Best Alternative Album of the year. Augustines proves that the success of their first album was no fluke, demonstrating the same magic which won them so many fans and praise three years ago.

After overcoming some personal tragedies and the disbanding of Billy McCarthy’s original band Pela, McCarthy and Eric Sanderson continued working on their material with new drummer Rob Allen and thus Augustines were born. Discussing the lyrical progression between the debut and current albums, McCarthy says “The first record was obviously very personal…It was about cold, hard truth. Cold, hard fact. There was nothing I could do to help any of the characters in the songs last time. This time it’s absolutely about having the ability to help all the characters in the songs. There’s an empowerment to it”.

The new album Augustines revels in positivity, revealing the story of journeying to re-discover who you are after a life-changing experience – perfectly suiting the decision to name the record after the band.

Positive vibes and confidence exude from the opening notes of the first track Cruel City, featuring Billy McCarthy’s distinctive scruffy voice in a catchy track which sets the bar high for the rest of the album.  The positivity continues with Nothing To Lose But Your Head which is one of the album’s highlights. The track is bouncy and uplifting, full of energy and reminiscent of alternative rock anthems of the early 2000s.

Towards the middle of the album falls the track Walkabout, a piano-based ballad which gradually builds up in pace and emotion, allowing more instruments to join in before peaking and finishing simply with light piano work and soft vocals. The track is well-rounded and another highlight of the record – blending faster, energetic moments with soft, mellow times to show off the different sides of the trio.

Augustines finishes strongly with Hold Onto Anything, a powerful tune complete with military style drum beat and McCarthy’s masculine yells of “Yeah!” and “Woah’s”. The song winds down to a quiet finish, concluding the record on a positive and satisfying note.

Augustines marks a triumphant, eagerly awaited return to music for the trio who stole so many hearts with their debut in 2011. Their unique sound is one to be celebrated and this collection would be a welcome addition to any alternative rock fan’s catalogue.

Janelle Tucknott