REVIEW: British India - Avalanches

British India
Avalanches
(Shock)
(out of 5)

One of the remaining flagbearers of the garage rock explosion, Avalanches marks British India’s third outing. It’s been met with a deal of trepidation by the Australian public - their last album, Thieves, being very much the problematic second album bands struggle with. What makes this release all the more difficult is the shift in listenership. Why settle for British India now when the likes of Eddy Current Suppression Ring have become almost quintessential Aussie rock?

Avalanches takes it’s chance though, and is a more grown up record. There is still the riotous energy the band had with their debut Guillotine, but the group has traded up so to speak. It’s as if they know that they can’t out-rock modern day contemporaries, despite giving them a good run for their money with ‘90 Ways To Leave Your Lover’ and ‘Safari’.

Instead, British India have seemingly concentrated on their patent sound with more solid, commercially viable pop hooks. ‘Beneath The Satellites’ and the more hard rock-like ‘Messiah’ are two standout tracks from the album - instantaneously erasing any doubts people would have had after Thieves.

Which isn’t an overtly bad thing - but it does seem like the band were rocked by the criticisms, which could undoubtedly lead to a problem at this juncture. Avalanches is a solid release, but it’s an interesting road ahead for the Melbourne four-piece.

By Benjii Jackson