A seemingly by-the-numbers rock record, Larrikin’s sound is simple yet effective. From the opener This Is Our World to the blaring hometown pride of The Nothing, Local Band and Peg City, it’s apparent that this local trio is down with the murder capital. Australian-born guitarist and singer Aaron Treble is at his best when he’s screaming his lungs out a la Gibby Haynes and accompanied by lead guitarist Kristin Dawn’s purring backups. Recorded live off the floor with Lloyd Peterson (Greg MacPherson, The Vibrating Beds) at Wonder Dog, it feels as though you’re there on a Thursday night at The Pyramid with a bottle of Half Pints. For the moody mix tape kiss-off, add Tainted somewhere in the middle - it’s one that gets under your skin. It doesn’t re-invent the wheel, but you don’t always have to.

Published in Volume 66, Number 19 of The Uniter (February 8, 2012)