Real Rare Whale

"Alright! Time for some FUN!" A nameless voice opens 2022s Real Rare Whale, the fourth album from raucous Australian punks the Dune Rats, with those words, and never let it be said these guys dont live up to their promises. Dune Rats have made their name as a bunch of lovably lowbrow dudes who like loud guitars, getting wasted, and cheerfully obvious humor, and after the success of 2017s The Kids Will Know Its Bullshit and 2020s Hurry Up and Wait, theyre smart enough not to mess too much with the formula on Real Rare Whale. Its one of many albums that were made in the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, written while they were isolated in a small fishing village in New South Wales. Unlike most artists, Dune Rats didnt allow the circumstances to make them pensive or gloomy. Instead, they wanted good times to come back, and Real Rare Whale is the sound of three guys determined to will them back into existence, and generally succeeding. In its 29 minutes, this album covers all the major topics -- big cars ("LTD"), getting drunk ("Drink All Day"), having an epic hangover ("What a Memorable Night"), getting back your tax refund and spending it like a fool ("UP"), and crushing on the pretty woman on TV ("Pamela Aniston"). If maturity enters the picture at all on Real Rare Whale, its mostly in the Dune Rats commitment to craft. Just as Hurry Up and Wait sounded a bit tidier and cleaner than The Kids Will Know Its Bullshit, Real Rare Whale once again ups the ante; even if this doesnt sound slick by most standards, the SoCal-style melodies are executed with greater confidence, the yell-along harmonies sound as if they may have practiced them before, and it appears competent professionals were stepping in to help record it. Even though craft isnt exactly the point with this band, Real Rare Whale is the sound of the Dune Rats caring just enough to deliver for their fans, and that does make a difference. The album was made by a band who know theyre lucky to be able to make a living as beer-drunk dirtbags, and theyre grateful for it. Its part of what makes the Dune Rats consistently likable reprobates, and if charm goes a long way, Real Rare Whale demonstrates just how much that matters. ~ Mark Deming