Release Date: Jan 29, 2008
Label: Roadrunner Records
Genres: Hard Rock
Number Of Tracks: 11
These bad boys hail from Australia and their stripped down guitar rock is filled with tales about women, alcohol and partying. No, we’re not talking about AC/DC. Everyone meet Airbourne, the newest ambassadors of sleaze-n-roll!
Runnin' WildFeatured review by: UG Team, on february 06, 2008 1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: When you kick off your debut album with a song called “Stand Up for Rock-n-Roll,” you better deliver the goods to back it up! Airbourne actually go above and beyond the task. Once they get past the guitar intro’s arrpegiated crescendos, the band come in full strength to start things off in fine blues-rock fashion! The filthy toned guitars of Joel O’Keeffe (also the lead singer) and David Roads tip their hat to the work of AC/DC’s assault team of Angus and Malcolm Young as well as The Cult’s Billy Duffy. O’Keeffe and Roads deal out the kinds of riffs that will inspire air guitarists from Osaka to Omaha! The thick barre chords that open up “Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast,” reminiscent of Kiss staple “Cold Gin,” just begs you to reach for the volume knob. The meat and potatoes production by Bob Marlette (Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper) is a no-brainer. He does a stellar job of capturing the rhythm section of drummer Ryan O’Keeffe and four stringer Justin Street’s steady bottom end. There was no need to clutter the sound or arrangements here and the veteran producer does a great job of getting out of the way and letting the songs breathe out. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: Any band that names one of their songs “Cheap Wine & Cheaper Women” isn’t going to win a Pulitzer Prize. But then again, Highway to Hell didn’t either and we’re still singing along almost thirty years later. Airbourne’s lyrics embody the very things that made rock-n-roll so dangerous yet alluring in the first place. Bon Scott would have been proud of gems like, “I sealed the deal and she said "yes"/so I put my hands right up her dress/ N' she said what's been taking you so long,” from the song “Heartbreaker.” The AC/DC comparisons never stop coming with “Stand Up for Rock-n-Roll” being a close lyrical cousin to “Let There Be Rock” with it's brash declarations and tales of depravity. // 8
Impression: My fellow critics throughout Europe have largely dismissed Airbourne as nothing more than mere clones. Do they ape a lot of, OK, most of AC/DC’s blueprint? Sure they do. So has Rhino Bucket, Jet, Dirty Looks, Supagroup, The Datsuns and many others. Some have fared much better than others. The bottom line is Airbourne do it better than anyone else. They don’t only nail the sound down, they also capture the very essence of what continues to make AC/DC so revered in the first place. This is where most of the other tributes fell short. Joel O’Keeffe’s police siren of a voice is tailor made for blitzkriegs like “Blackjack” and “What’s Eatin’ You.” He snarls and screeches through every line as if someone has a gun pointed at his head! He also gets double points for his incendiary lead guitar solos. Not only do scream out like vintage Joe Perry, they’re instantly memorable. They are so utterly ingrained into the fabric of the songs that if your band ever decides to cover them, you’ll have to learn the solo note for note. So let the critics have their say but don’t let them rain on this parade. You have to take Runnin’ Wild for all it really is; a kick-ass, party-rock record! If they ever decide to release a deluxe edition of this album, they should include a six-pack of the best Australian beer! // 8
Runnin' Wild
Reviewed by:
Jacocrew, on july 18, 2007 1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: Aussie rockers "Airbourne" released their debut album on June 23rd. The first single "Runnin' Wild" grabs you and never lets go, so I was very excited to hear the rest of the album and was very, very pleased with what I heard. Airboure's sound is that of a young rock legend, AC/DC. Their sound is just plain Rock 'n' Roll laced with fun riffs and understated solos. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: “All right people/Welcome to the show/Are you ready to rock? /Are you ready to go?/Now we’ve got what you want/And we’ve got what you need/So get your ass down here/And let your ears bleed,” Stand Up For Rock’N’Roll. It’s as clear a statement of intent as you’re ever likely to hear. One verse that says everything you need to know about Melbourne four piece Airbourne and their debut album, Runnin’ Wild: forget your worries, get down to the front of the stage and lose your mind to some ear-bleeding, sweat-soaked rock’n’roll. Or, as the song continues, “Drink your beer/Drink your wine/Let’s have a good time.” Joel O’Keeffe's volcals remind you of a young Bon Scott or Jesse James Dupree from Jackyl and the lyrics go hand-in-hand with the sound of the album with emphysis on girls, living fast and more girls, with cuts like "Cheap Wine, Cheaper Women, Girls in Black, Runnin' Wild and their second release "Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast". // 9
Impression: From the album’s fist-pumping title track to the anthemic What’s Eatin’ You and the self-explanatory rock explosions of Girls In Black and Cheap Wine, Runnin’ Wild is an exercise in booze-and-sweat soaked rock’n’roll that isn’t looking to change the world by abolishing Free Trade, but simply provide the ultimate soundtrack to the biggest all-night party there is. // 10
Runnin' Wild
Reviewed by:
loco999, on november 28, 2008 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: This album is nothing but pure hard rock. For me thats the best rock album in past five years. You put it in your CD player and you hear the thunder of raw riffs, huge overdrive, screaming vocals, great back vocals, lots of gain and hot guitar solos. Sound of guitars is very aggressive and powerful, bass is boosted and it sounds great, drums fit in just perfect, and lead vocal is combination of Bon Scott and Brian Johnson. Funny thing is that Airbourne came also from Australie like AC/DC and I've read some stupid comments that Joel O'Keefe from Airbourne is reincarnation of AC/DC's Bon Scott. Lots of people compare them with AC/DC. Yeah, at the first time I thought that too, but when you listen to the album few times you will find a huge differences. I like the opening of album ("Stand Up for Rock 'n' Roll") , it starts with great intro that is getting faster and faster, then boom, drumer gives 1-2-3-4 sign on hit-hat, then agin comes fast riff and great guitar solo. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: Lyrcs include themes like rock'n'roll aint dead, women, drinking and life on streets. I'm pretty sure thah all young teenage girls won't like their lyrics. There are many similarity between Airbournes and AC/DC's lyrics but there are also some differences. In songs "Diamond in the Rough", "Fat City", "Whats Eatin' You" and "Cheap wine & Cheaper Women" Airbourne tells some stories abour something, but that type of "story-lyrics" is very rare with AC/DC. But both of them use cool and catchy names, wich in Airbournes case are "Hellfire", "Heartbreaker", "Girls in Black"...Now, something about the singer. Well, I've mentioned that Joel sounds like Bon and Brian together, and I ain't heard any new singer like that in past 10 years. His voice totally fits their fast, hard music. // 10
Impression: Why can I say here. I mean, its perfect. They sound like you have taken the speed of Motorhead and riffs and vocals of AC/DC and putted it in one new band. Its perfect combination. Album contains few potential hits like "Too Much Too Young Too Fast" with great refrain, "Diamond in the Rough" with hard riffs and catchy refrain and "Runnin' Wild" with fast riffs and great "Hey, hey, hey" back vocals. You know that album must be great if Lemmy had joined them on video for "Runnin' Wild" and asked if they wanna tour with Motorhead. // 10
Runnin' Wild
Reviewed by:
cobaindrix, on september 17, 2008 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Imagine this: Take the stereotype for a hard and fast gritty rock n roll band, make them a little bit more bogan-ish, and then double it! That is Airbourne. If you're looking for that rock n roll spirit captured by AC/DC, this is it. Not that they have copied AC/DC, they just happen to make the same sort of hard rockin' music that is sadly in short supply these days. The drums are basic and loud in the mix (perfect for this sort of thing) and the guitars are loud, gritty and with just the right amount of rock n roll twang. The solos are bluesy and Reminiscent of the something perhaps Angus Young might come up with, the riffs are tight, explosive and fun, the vocals, in my oppinion, are near perfect for rock. The whole thing is well produced and mixed. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: Do not expect meaningful lyrics, with deep messages or socio-political commentary. Be warned that if you are looking for thought provoking, intellectually stimulating poetry, you are have got the wrong album. This is an album where you just switch off your mind and rock out and indulge in the spirit and fun of the music. The lyrics are about sex, women, drinkin', gamblin', more women and more sex. The singing is basically flawless for this type of thing. // 9
Impression: To me, Airbourne are like a s harder, heavier, fresher sort of AC/DC type band. They stand tall amonst a crowd of emo/hip hop/lastest pop music/generic indie bands. I wish they had been around 20 years ago, so that by now they would be regarded as a classic rock band. Unfortunately, they will probably not achieve the level of fame and success they deserve. My favourite songs from the album are Diamond In The Rough, Stand Up For Rock 'N' Roll, Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast, Fat City, Heartbreaker, heck all of them. The thing I hate most is that I wish it had more songs on it! Airbourne aren't pretending to be hip or cool, they don't claim to be a progressive artsy fusion band, they are just pure rock! If that is your thing, get this CD. // 10
Runnin' Wild
Reviewed by:
Ledzeppelin0094, on september 05, 2008 1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Sound: My brother was the first to tell me about Airbourne, he told me to get the album and I did and I thought it was great. They have a great style, they are a little like AC/DC. They have some great riffs such as Too Much Too Young Too Fast, Cheap Wine and Cheaper Women, Stand up For Rock n Roll. I hope they put out another album soon. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: I found most of the lyrics good, the only thing I didn't like was in too much too young too fast he says "too much too young too fast, I'm gonna drink it up while it last. too much too young too fast, I'm gonna tear it up so fill my glass." I think he should have said, "too much too young too fast, I'm gonna drink it up so fill my glass, too much too young too fast, I'm gonna tear it up while it last" that seems to make more sense. I do also think the singer could be a little better, but he gets the job done, that's all that counts. // 8
Impression: This is one of my favorite albums ever, I can't get enough of it, the songs never get old. My favorite songs are Too Much Too Young Too Fast, Cheap Wine and Cheaper Women, Stand up For Rock n Roll, and Running Wild. I just love this there is nothing I hate about it... it's great, if I lost it I would by another one immediatley. // 9
Runnin' Wild
Reviewed by:
Shabalaba, on june 25, 2008 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: With the intro of "Stand Up for Rock 'N' Roll" you can tell this album is something special. Reminiscent of earlier AC/DC, and I wont deny it, Airbourne obviously are influenced by AC/DC, with the same style of music and the way they write it but I feel they have keyed into it at the right time. I buy a lot of new albums and barely any of them have a spark about them, they are the same as all the other bands in their genre, whereas these are unlike any band around today in their prime. As soon as I heard "Stand Up for Rock 'N' Roll" I got a big smile on my face, and it stayed throughout the album, with memorable tracks such as "Runnin' Wild", "Diamond in the Rough" or "Girls in Black" this album will blow you away. Not to say the rest of the album isn't as good, I loved most of it but I felt some songs weren't up to the same standard as the rest, such as "Fat City" and "Cheap Wine & Cheaper Women". // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Now the lyrics aren't the best, they are good for what they are but some of it is a bit uncreative and simple but, I feel they suit the music perfect. This isn't to say the lyrics are in any way bad, I just feel they repeat topics throughout the album and they just aren't as special as the sound of the instruments. Joel O’Keeffe is a great singer, he has a gruff voice but is still able to hit those high notes. On top of this O’Keeffe plays lead guitar in the band so this shows his skill in both aspects. // 8
Impression: This album blew me away, it really did. I loved every minute of it, I found it extremely pleasurable to listen to. The only problem is their second album needs to beat this! This album is a definite buy for any rock fan, this band appeals to such a wide audience, I have heard indie kids listening to this, metal heads and even my dad! If it were lost I would be down at the shops before you could even finish the sentence "your Airbourne CD is lost", I really do love this album and I feel anyone who gives it a chance will as well. // 9
Runnin' Wild
Reviewed by:
ac/dc#1fan, on march 17, 2008 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: If you are like me, just waiting for that rock band with a grinding, in-your-face, kick you in the ass sound, well, Airbourne is your band! The band is called "pub rock", joining the likes of rock legends AC/DC, to whom they can be compared to. With solid, heart thumping drums, followed by steady bass, and two guitars that sound like they are ripping through the over-loaded amps, the band's eleven song album is just right for all you rock and roll fans out there. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: Joel O'Keeffe provides ear-shaddering vocals through out the whole album. The songs are about the simple things in life:cheap booze, cheap women and sex. I mean, who can argue with that? Not to mention the harmony of back up singers David Rhodes (guitar) and Justin Street (bass) that just adds sprinkles 2 the cake. // 10
Impression: Overall, this is a great album that gives you a break from the pop and emo bands of the world today by pumping your ears full of good old dirty rock and roll. The whole album is graet, but some of the better songs are "Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast", "Runnin Wild" and the sure to be rock anthem, "Stand Up For Rock And Roll". For all the classic rock fans out there, this is perfect. If it was stolen/lost, I would but one instantly, maybe even two! // 10
actually they are from warnambool, they live in melbourne now. i got this today its bloody awesome. cant wait until randoms start accusing ACDC clonage...
bloody awsum band and hu ever says they sound like AC/DC needs to listen to othersongs apart from too much too young too fast good 2 c another new band that isnt goin dwn the shitty commercialised path
what can i say?this band is GREAT!in our world,full of emo crap,rap,screamo nonsense,there is one band that stands out in my eyes.Airbourne.These guys know what they're doing.so what if they sound a bit like AC/DC?AC/DC is a great band and i'm happy to say that Airbourne is our modern day AC/DC!did i forget to mention the singer/lead(?)guitar is kinda like a combination of Angus Young and Bon Scott?
this band has lots of potential and i can't wait until they get famous all over the world like the rock legends,AC/DC.
AC/DC have been releasing the same album for 20 years and it would appear these pisshead bogans have decided to jump on the bandwagon and release an AC/DC album too. If listening to rehashed genres is yout thing then this is the album for you.
It's not even funny how exactly the same as AC/DC they are.
And no, that isn't a good thing.
Even if I thought AC/DC weren't offensively overrated it would still be a very bad thing.
I saw Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast on Kerrang today, I assumed it was a cover of a DC song I'd not heard. [Although I do own Back In Black, so there isn't a DC song I've not heard]
I listened to most of all the songs on their myspace before anyone says anything.
But yeah, I don't see how you can applaud them for doing something different to the current music scene if they're gonna clone another band anyway.
Got it today aswell. One of the best things I've heard in ages. Its good to know that in the midst of all this Fall Out Boy and bands that start with 'The' emo stuff, there is still a band that knows good ol' Rock n Roll!
Its a shame they don't have their own way off playing rather than rippin' off 'DC, good musicians but so little originality. Their like Trivium and 'Tallica. Release your own stuff guys.
and too all those noobs going on about ac/dc cloning. It does sound like ac/dc, correct, there influences are clear, but they also list a love for motorhead, and if you listen to most songs on the album, they actually play like 5 times faster than ac/dc tunes so they do add there own style to the genre. Frankly id rather have a band making good time rock n roll, theres too many bands trying to make experimental now, all those bands are pretty boring, cause while they try to create new genres, the music certainly isnt fun, and doesnt get me going at all.
WTF, the people who say AC/DC suck are fags, they are the greatest rock band in the world! They are way better then Led Zeppelin, no offense. Airbourne is bringin the old days back the way music should be, not this shi* a*s linkin park crap, green day, blink 182, all those crappy emo bands!
I wouldn't say they are much better than Led Zeppelin. They both, for sure, are great rock n roll bands, but both in different way..while AC/DC is plain simple, Led Zep was more complex, but i miss the energy, that's why I prefer AC/DC. But I am huge fan of both of them. And to Airbourne..I love them, they indeed bring back the ol' rock n roll sound which I thought was dead since grunge :-/. But these guys proved me I was wrong. You can hear they are deffinitly influenced by their country fellas. Between being influenced and copying somebody is thin border, but they didn't exceed it. Encore please!
Ive seen Airbourne live, and they put on a show for you. They're influenced by decent bands and that shows. Listen to the solos, its not like his ripping acdc off note for note. These guys are the first new real rock and roll band to surface in a long time.
Airbourne ****in rock! thats all there is to it guys. its nice to hear guys using AC/DC's method of rock n roll. lyrics on good times, chicks n booze. ya dont get much more rock than that
in mainstream rock well... its been re named emo u have complete bolouks and anyone who says green day or blink arnt emo ye true there not emo but they promote it buy letting the emo bands open on tour for them. so its awsome to have a band who have there own style ye it is like ac/dc but if bands didnt rip off other bands where would the rock world be? mabi they will take the sound of ac/dc and turn it into somthing more to there own style but ac/dc arnt doing anything new and if they did it mighnt not do really well so its good to have a fresh face respect ac/dc but dont let that stop you from lisning other bands i mean u all love ac/dc so mutch if you started a band and was compared to your rock heros ud be honnord.. well i would anyway
Well, Jet really isn't a ripoff act, because they have their own sound. Yes, alot of influences can be seen from it, but Jet has somewhat more heart than ACDC before them(Not that Jet's better.) Airbourne is a rip-off.... A likable ripoff!
It's not even funny how exactly the same as AC/DC they are.
And no, that isn't a good thing.
Even if I thought AC/DC weren't offensively overrated it would still be a very bad thing.
I saw Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast on Kerrang today, I assumed it was a cover of a DC song I'd not heard. [Although I do own Back In Black, so there isn't a DC song I've not heard]
I listened to most of all the songs on their myspace before anyone says anything.
But yeah, I don't see how you can applaud them for doing something different to the current music scene if they're gonna clone another band anyway.
heh, I've always thought that TMTYTF was the unofficial sequel to Highway to Hell. The words fit on top pretty well.
Now, Led Zeppelin is the greatest rock band of all time, next to the Stones, the Who, the Beatles, Guns 'N' Roses, and T-Rex. Aibourne, while certainly enjoyable, would have been better set in the 1980's. At least glam metal bands were original, while taking an ACDC stance.
stop being an ignorant prick. i got this album for xmas, and it's basically like ac/dc with better vocals that brian johnson, and more energy if thats possible. its awesome, one of my favourites.
if you do your research, you'll find that they weren't exactly popular in their home town! they didn't set out to "copy" ACDC, they were just inspired by them. they are bringing back the long since buried Australian pub-rock, they care about making music, not making money from their music like most new bands.
hm what is it whith australians beign amazing good with hardrock/blues music or i should call it pub rock, these guysare good its nice to see a band dust offan old bone and put pub rock in a new light true its the same song structure as a lot of ACDC but still they do it with a passion that alot of bands dont... also any one who doesnt like these guys probally listen to bands like underoath and trivium (tho guitar wise trivium is pretty f n good, underoath is just horrible in general)
hm what is it whith australians beign amazing good with hardrock/blues music or i should call it pub rock.
beer. beer and happy hour. and also the fact that the rock population here is usually pretty nuts. im not a big musical genius but airbourne seems to actually use a bit more musical talent then AC/DC. everyone always bitches about acdc using 3 chords. well heres acdc using about 6 per song. like?
These guys are amazing! and there getting big now aswell, and yes they do sound like AC/DC which is good because AC/DC are amazing aswell and besides AC/DC are there main influence.
this is ac/dc#1fan(3rd review).and i do agree 4 both sides,they do,and dont sound like ac/dc.by that,i mean sum songs do,and sum dont.but here,im gunna tell u all what they sound like:they sound like a hard,fast,dirty old rock n roll band.a.k.a.Airbourne!
There is a reason Austalian pub-rock was buried, because it sucks.
well put it this way mate, if it wasnt for AC/DC's 'pub-rock music' you wouldnt be listenin to half of the bands you are now, AC/DC are probably the most influentual band existing, AC/DC have been there and dun it and Airbourne "is" bringin back what is music, so dont search their reviews and slag them off if you dont like them, theres always 1 dick like you... ****in prick!
I saw AC/Dc on their first tour of the UK, back in 1976. Angus was about 16 and they played in a small local hall to about 500 people. The energy and passion of that band blew me away; I`d never seen anything like it. Now I hear that energy and passion again on this CD. Those who think these guys are just cheap AC/DC copyists are wrong. Airbourne bring back the fun in rock. Too many rock bands these days are angry and depressing; Airbourne make me smile as I`m nodding my head and tapping my feet.
i saw dese dudes on jimmy kimmel lyv a few weex bak....dey wer pretty gud...hard rockin..only thing, dey do sound a lott lyk ac/dc almst lyka carbon copy...nt exactly a bad thing...bt no originality aint a gud thin eithr....but overall dey r a pretty gud band
Excellent album, my mate told me about them, and I saw them live too, very good I have to say. The guitars, Joels incredible vocals and the sound of the marshall amps. They sound faster than AC/DC, but who cares, these guys love playin rock n roll!
Better than listening to all the garbage out these days, its about time this good classic rock n roll is yback! U guys rock! Oh, and buy this album cos it kicks ass!!!
Airbourne are amazing! they've got the original AC/DC sound and are very good at what they do. Even though i like their sound, i think it's too similar to AC/DC and they dont have their own sound, but still a great album. These guys really do rock!
Actually all AC/DC fans that say that Airbourne is just a rip-off are pretty much admiting they that they're good. I mean if you like AC/DC and think Airbourne is exactley the same, then isnt't that like saying that you like Airbourne? That is if you can understand my weird phrasing xD
That is if you can understand my weird phrasing xD