Checking Your Pulse with Gold Class

Australian post-punk band, Gold Class, is back with Drum, their newest release following 2015’s It’s You. Gold Class tracks, specifically the ones on Drum, have a steady formula; most of the tracks have unique bass lines from bassist Jon Shub, who does a great job setting a post punk vibe with his instrumentation. These bass lines differ from the guitar riffs and chords while drums crash down like a steady progression.

Lead singer Adam Curley talked about the newest release saying, “Drum is primitive. It’s physical. It’s the beat of your heart. It’s immediate. It comes from the past, but it also beckons to something in the future.” Through listening to the steady cardiac heartbeat like drumming by Logan Gibson, one can see what Curley is talking about in this quote.

This formula is followed through immediately with the first track “Twist In The Dark,” which has a guitar riff reminiscent of Car Seat Headrest while the bass line carries another unique riff. There is no time on this album that feels like certain instruments are doing the same thing. They all run off of their own track, yet create cohesive catchy tracks like this first one. Adam Curley has a unique voice that still has post punk influences that are very noticeable. At times he sounds like Ian Curtis of Joy Division, but he has shades of Morrissey and even Billy Idol. The distinct ringing of his voice sounds epic as if this is the closest thing post punk could get to arena rock.

“Trouble Fun” has an incredibly catchy guitar opening that is easily remembered. Curley’s voice over the track emphasizes the spooky, yet sensual aspects that Drum has. It is the closest Curley comes to the Morrissey aspect of his voice on this record, specifically in the chorus. It’s humorous, even in its haunting qualities.

“Bully” has that special Gold Class bass that begins the track continuously slapping the same riff. As guitar is added along with Curley’s lyrics it feels like a normal song on Drum. Then the track gets this almost ugly guitar chord that strums after Curley shouts the title of the song as a sort of chorus. It is distorted, comes out of nowhere yet somehow finds a place that makes it catchy. “Lux” closes out the album perfectly by building up to a satisfying climax as distorted ringing builds to the ending of Drum.

The album was co-produced by Gareth Liddiard of classic Australian band, The Drones. Gold Class and Liddiard are for sure making the Aussies proud with this incredibly unique post punk release. It joins another Australian band, the Smith Street Band, as punk album of the year candidates, even if they play two completely different subgenres of punk. What makes Drum really special is the howling of Curley mixed with the extremely unique instrumentation that goes on with the rhythmic heartbeat of the drums, repetitive slapping bass lines and experimentally riffing guitar. This album is a must listen for anyone who appreciates alternative rock that specializes in its instruments.