TEQUILA MOCKINGBYRD SHAKE THE MONEY TREE WITH IMPRESSIVE DEBUT ALBUM Tequila Mockingbyrd: 'Fight And Flight' Out Now (Off Yer Rocka Records) Words: Johnny Main Melbourne's Tequila Mockingbyrd are a shot of straight up rock'n'roll, packing a high-energy punch that will hit you from the first explosion of sound until long into the after-party. The band are rapidly becoming known for their explosive live shows and punk rock sound and if you add to that an arsenal of catchy guitar riffs and memorable choruses, then Tequila Mockingbyrd have everything going for them. 'Fight And Flight' is their debut album which was released in Australia/New Zealand back in 2016 (debuting at #10 in the Australian AIR Charts) and has recently been released in the UK and Europe with much fanfare – and quite rightly too, because this is an awesome debut album that potentially places the rest of the world at their feet. I've actually seen the band live a couple of times and they're an impressive outfit on stage, so I was expecting a polished album from them and that's what they've delivered. Live favourites are all here and checked off, like the immensely fun 'Jagerbomb' which sounds even more bombastic on record. The jangly almost bluesy guitar from Estelle Artois sets the song up perfectly with the funky bass courtesy of Jess Reily while the drums of Josie O'Toole ensure you can't help but tap you feet in time. The understated guitar solo from Artois and the shouty chorus just reeks of a good time, and this track is pretty much guaranteed to bring any party to life. The first single from the album, 'I Smell Rock N Roll' is also first in the running order with it's fast pace that instantly tells you what you need to know about this band - pounding drums, thundering bass and razor sharp guitar riffs as well as aptitude for catchy choruses, and that's kind of the way the album evolves, as can be seen in 'So Not Me' too, which is one of the albums more straight ahead rock numbers. During 'Money Tree' it's O'Toole who shines the brightest with an impressive display as she holds the beat down with metronomic skill in what certainly isn't a laid back number, and the bonus is that she even manages to slip in a short mid-song drum solo. Indeed, O'Toole is handed another moment in the spotlight during 'Half Of The Man' which shows she can play more than fast and furious as the band take their foot off the accelerator pedal for this number. Saying that, it doesn't mean that it doesn't rock, though, as Artois fires in an extraordinary guitar performance during this song, which I'm guessing is addressed to an ex-boyfriend who, perhaps, wasn't quite up to the job of looking after one of these feisty young ladies. Artois herself delivers an impressive vocal performance during 'Never Go Home' where she holds onto the longer notes without wavering one iota, whist the light backing vocals add a bit of extra oomph to the chorus. Artois' guitar skill is laid bare during the long guitar intro of 'Catalyst' before the stop start guitar riff really takes off. Likewise the slow and moody tones of 'This Ain't Dead' just oozes emotion as it gives Artois a chance to show her subtle singing voice as she pulls off a remarkable and passionate performance. The guitar work here is just superb with O'Toole playing a laid back simple beat that just adds to the atmosphere of the track, making this one a real highlight. You can see the official video for 'Never Go Home' here: 'Fight And Flight' trackList: I Smell Rock N Roll Never Go Home Money Tree Catalyst Half Of The Man So Not Me Everyone Down This Ain't Dead Somebody Put Something In My Drink Why Are We Still Friends Jägerbomb Shut Me Down Good Time Tequila Mockingbyrd are: Estelle Artois – Vocals/Guitar Jess Reily – Bass Guitar/Backing Vocals Josie O'Toole – Drums/Backing Vocals