Diamond Eye
Sound Of The Guns EP

By Todd Jolicouer

Coming from Detroit Rock City, I have been exposed to a ton of local talent through the years. That being said, why am I so surprised when a local Aussie band really rocks my socks? Listening to the debut studio EP from Diamond Eye, I find myself harkening back to the mid-80s while keeping my feet planted in 2011.

Opener “Waiting For Me” is a scorcher with a killer guitar solo from Greg Fawcett dropped in for good measure. The guitar work and vocals play well together and really grab you. The guitar work continues on “Closer To The Sun,” but the vocals actually get turned up a notch and vocalist Will Kelly shows off a little of his range and abilities. This song, although clocking in at over five minutes, keeps the disc moving, thanks in part to the solid rhythm section of drummer Geoff Keating and bassist Chase Cameron.

“Machine” opens up chugging like any solid modern rock radio gem. When the drums, bass, and guitar work together, it is like a hard rock ménage à trois. The vocals kick in, and the extra fun begins. Packed again with very tight and solid soloing, this song continues the path directly started from the opener. Title track “Sound Of The Guns” is another solid song - even getting nominated for Heavy song of the year in their local West Australian music industry awards - although perhaps my least favorite on the disc. On any other disc, this might be a stand out, but with the other four songs being so good, it just rocks.

Here’s hoping these guys are given a chance and can showcase their talent on a larger stage. I know there is at least one person on this side of the big water that would love to see them, and see them succeed.

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