Naarm based Surf Rock outfit Calling George deliver a nostalgic new single Lockie Leonard that both embraces the roots of Australian up-tempo rock whilst cementing their own take on the genre.
Lockie Leonard is a quick follow up from Calling George's debut EP Bending The Elbow (Listen here), a brief but fun introduction to this up and coming trio from Sandringham. Bending The Elbow showcased the bands ability to write infectiously catchy melodies and lyrics that inspire's nostalgia for the golden age of Australian Surf Rock. Taking on a genre that has such a strong foothold on Australia's musical history it is vital that a band taking on the task of updating it create an atmosphere that brings listeners to a time and place. The time being summer and the place being the beach.
With Lockie Leonard the trio are calling their shot. Capitalising on the momentum of the EP and pushing their ability to put out high quality music in a span of a few months. Running just 2 minutes and 15 seconds, the track wastes no time, immediately introducing the guitar melody that carries throughout the song. This motif is guaranteed to get stuck in your head. Like all good Surf Rock riffs, its simple, fast and is easy to find yourself humming to.
The rhythm section provides a strong backing to let the melody take centre stage. The drums in particular were recorded extremely well. With a pulsating high hat/snare combo that sound so crisp it makes you feel a raw energy as if you were experiencing the track live. The beat is designed to get you moving and its energy compels you to move, whether it be dancing, running or ironically enough a surf.
We cant go this far into the review without talking about the songs namesake. Lockie Leonard. An Australian classic kids tv show of the 2000's. While hearing the name of a B list (no disrespect intended) Australian Kids show is humorous and invokes nostalgia it also is an incredibly clever idea for a song. Pairing a classic Australian sound with a classic Australian show highlights the personality of the band, carefree and fun. References to places, periods of time, artists (and in this case a show) can connect an audience to a band. The shared experiences of sitting down on a Saturday morning watching Lockie Leonard and seeing Surf Rock on TV (Video Hits or Rage) are core memories for a lot of younger gig attendees. This track not only shows Calling Georges ability to write a fun Surf Rock song but also create a connection with a new generation of Australia Rock listeners.
You can check out Calling George here.
Check them out on Spotify here