Album Review: Private Function “Whose Line is it Anyway?”
Album: Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Band: Private Function
Label: Damaged Music
Score: 9/10
review by Ricky Frankel
https://linktr.ee/privatefunction69
https://privatefunction.bandcamp.com/album/whose-line-is-it-anyway
If you have been paying close attention, you would know that the Australian punk scene has been absolutely killing it within the last year or so. The Chats released their awesome debut full-length High Risk Behaviour earlier this year. In 2019, Clowns released their killer Fat Wreck Chords debut Nature/Nurture (my number one album of that year) and Private Function released their very first and criminally underrated full-length, St. Anger.
If this is your first time hearing about Private Function there are a couple things you should know. First, St. Anger was not their first release, but if you listen to their prior EP’s you’ll find that St. Anger is what really solidifies their rowdy and wild take on punk rock. On that album, the band shows that they are not afraid to experiment and delve into other genres and mix them with their overall sound. Second, there is an American punk rock connection to this band. The group features guitarist PJ Russo of New Jersey’s very own Night Birds and you can definitely hear his surf punk-influenced guitar style sprinkled through out the group’s releases. And finally, if you follow Private Function on social media or watch any of their live performances on YouTube, which I highly recommend, you’ll see that they are quite talented on stage as well as absolutely hilarious.
On August 28th, Private Function released their second album Whose Line Is It Anyway? Just like any band that begins to get attention after releasing an awesome first full-length, the real test for them is, can they out do themselves or will they hit a “sophomore slump?” Well aside from introducing some of you to the band (especially those of you not in Australia, like me), I’m also here to tell you that the band absolutely hit it out of the park with Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Now let’s get into why that is, shall we?
Whose Line Is It Anyway? starts off with two absolute jams. The first is “I Don’t Wanna Make Out With You” which switches back and forth between this hardcore/almost oi! vibe that quickly changes into these choppy, but melodic choruses. Right after that track ends, comes “Albury Wondonga,” a massive song dedicated to the area of Australia of the same name. This tune has huge, anthemic vocals and a melody so catchy it’ll get you singing along immediately.
Another stand-out track is “Evie Part 4.” If you’re not Australian, you’re probably wondering, “What about Part 1, 2, and 3?” Well the first three parts actually do exist, but they were performed and recorded by Australian pop-star Stevie Wright back in the 1970’s. “Evie Part 4” by Private Function is the band’s answer to the first three parts. And while the original three tracks are softer, pop-rock love tunes, Private Function goes into full overdrive with their contribution to the “Evie” collection. Through out Whose Line Is It Anyway? lead singer Chris Penney’s vocals are are taken to the next level from where they are on St. Anger. You can tell the he was born to be a frontman. But it is on “Evie Part 4” where he (and the whole band in all honesty) truly shines. His high-pitched singing is reminiscent of an early Jimmy Barnes of Cold Chisel or Bon Scott of AC/DC. Even the distorted and blues-y guitar riffs have an AC/DC sound with an updated, punk edge twisted throughout the track. And as if that wasn’t enough, “Evie Part 4” is actually a duet. About half through the song Jade Field of Australian punk band DickLord takes the reins and belts out some very impressive verses. It really is amazing to hear how Penney’s and Green’s vocals contrast throughout the rest of the track. “Evie Part 4” is just one wild ride.
In the latter half of Whose Line Is It Anyway? there are songs such as “Black Eye Blues” and “Make Me.” “Black Eye Blues” slows things down bit. The band switches between a slow, but fuzzy doo-wop choruses and then to a hard-hitting, Teenage Bottlerocket-esque verses. It’s yet another perfect example of this band’s musical creativity. The intro alone to “Make Me” is very special. It is a classic PJ Russo surf-punk riff that could easily start out an instrumental track on a Night Birds release. This fast-paced and “mean as hell” track features this sort of call and response between Chris Penney and the backing vocals. Once again, Penney’s vocals are absolutely phenomenal here, but this time you get to hear the screaming, “throat-ier” side to them and they are just as impressive as his regular singing.
While St. Anger can be considered Private Function’s break-out album in Australia, Whose Line Is It Anyway? could very well be the record that gets them the international recognition that they deserve. The musicianship and vocals are stellar. The lyrics are well written and even funny at some points. Like St. Anger was for me last year, this will be the record that everyone (at least those of us on other continents) regrets not finding when it was originally released. So don’t waste anymore time. Go listen to Whose Line Is It Anyway?!
***
You can learn more about the band from this Rolling Stone Aus article.
About the Author
Denise Borders 39, Los Angeles. Denise founded PWV in 2008 and remains the primary manager and photographer/videographer. She is not secretly obsessed with Joey Cape.
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