More bands like G55 should be popping up all over the globe. Why? They make my life better, that's why. A bit of an overstatement you say? Well, you're wrong. G55's explorative skronks through the backstreets of Brisbane should make everyone smile. This group made up of Lost Domainites Simon Ellaby, Eugene Carchesio, and Leighton Craig put together twisted improvisations that scatter the bearings in your skull. This trio keeps it simple and pushes the envelope into denser regions than their Lost Domain counterparts do. Ellaby uses guitar and vocals, Carchesio mans the drums, and Craig brings the pain on his trademark casio. Then, they throw it all in a garbage can, stir it around with a huge stick, and dump the contents out onto a CD. Or something like that...

These six songs all flow in a similar manner, but it's the disjointed spelunking these jams create that makes them so damn appealing. G55's primary M.O. is to knock you over, but to have fun whilst doing so. On "1.4," the drone element rears its head as Ellaby and Craig create a monochromatic soundscape. The longer it goes on, the more control it wields. It's like you're being beaten into submission, but can't help but enjoy the overall sensation. Something totally hypnotic is taking place during the entire 38 minutes of "1." Trust me when I say, you might as well just give in.

Ellaby's vocal stylings are a much welcomed addition to G55. When he unloads on certain Lost Domain records (especially the forthcoming "White Man at the Door"), it adds an unmatchable element to the music. In my view, Ellaby is probably the most unheralded vocalist on the planet, but is easily one of the best (seroiusly, one listen to "White Man at the Door" and you'll understand). So when he belts out various cryptic offerings, I am blissed. Most notable are the kraut-esque "1.6" and the minimalist "1.5." On the former, G55 are in full-flight and Ellaby is leading them toward the cosmos. This epic track is a minor masterpiece. It is sonic decadence defined and proof that G55 are primed to be an absolutely essential piece of the new Australian underground.

Simply put, "1" fucking rules. I've been told there are somewhere upwards of 10 G55 albums done and for that I say thank God. Again, the Kindling imprint proves to be vital in spreading the gospel of Australian music these days. I can't say enough about it... I really can't. Buy this album and play it loud. Let it infect your blood. Let it put you in a trance. And by the time "1.6" comes to it's throbbing end, you'll be begging for more. Trust me. 9/10 -- Brad Rose (1 July, 2005)