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Writer's pictureR’nR With Rylo

Spin #128 : The Murlocs : Old Locomotive




SUNDAY DROP - SPIN # 128 FROM THE R'NR WITH RYLO RECORD COLLECTION


I can't believe that it's already September and 2024 is well and truly coming to a quick conclusion. Before we know it, we will be sitting by the Christmas tree with the kids opening up their presents and sharing a laugh. Before then though we will be spinning quite a few more records. For this week's Sunday Drop # 128, Night Kat Kiz and I have hand-picked the third album by Aussie band, The Murlocs called 'Old Locomotive'. If you are sensing some similar artwork and style of sound to another Aussie band, King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard, then I'd congratulate you on your keen eye and ear. There are a couple of members within The Murlocs who are also apart of the KGLW band too - Ambrose Kenny-Smith and Cook Craig. Production is assisted by Stu McKenzie and some overdubbing by Joey Walker.


I was a bit of a late-comer to their discography and it wasn't until around 2017 that I delved into their catalogue. I enjoyed a couple of the early songs sung by Kenny-Smith on the KGLW album, 'Float Along + Fill Your Lungs' and that lead me to discover this band. The Murlocs album that we are spinning today is a mesmerizing musical soundscape that blends the sounds of psychedelic rock, blues and garage rock nicely. The band offers a lot of creative vision throughout 'Old Locomotive', showcasing their ability to craft dynamic compositions that resonate with their fans.



From the haunting vocals to their intricate guitar riffs and pulsating rhythms, 'Old Locomotive' exudes a sense of authenticity and passion that is truly captivating. The lyrics delve into themes of introspection, love, and the complexities of the human experience, inviting listeners to reflect on their own emotions and experiences. I feel this album is quite relevant in the current climate and well worth listening all the way through a couple of times, in order to unlock all of the sounds. Plus who doesn't want to listen to Amby's harmonica, as he sounds like prime-Bobby D! The production quality of the album is top-notch too as it allows each instrument to shine while maintaining a cohesive and immersive sound. I was lucky enough to get an LP that is split in two colours - Black and Silver.


Listeners will find themselves transported to a different realm as they listen to 'Old Locomotive' with each song painting a vivid sonic landscape that evokes a range of emotions. I mean, what do you think of when you hear the title of the song on Side A - 'SHIT STORM'? Whether you're a long-time fan of The Murlocs or a newcomer to their music, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression and solidify the band's reputation as one of the most innovative and talented acts in the contemporary music scene. I'll have to add their most recent album, 'Calm Ya' Farm' to the R'nR with Rylo collection at a later date. I've streamed it and like it just as much as 'Old Locomotive'. I would say that songs, 'SNAKE IN THE GRASS', 'WAITING TO RISE' and the title track are the favourites of mine. I know the kids liked this one because they danced a lot and kept saying, "Daddy, dance!".



A few funny moments happened this week and I feel that it's important to capture them in this 'time blog'. One was when our eldest got mixed up with a word, while breathing in and out calmly at the dinner table. He placed his hands in front of his face and was showing us his new breathing/relaxing technique. Instead of saying, 'Namaste'........he said, 'Mamasteak'. I think we all started laughing and we let him know that he was so close. We all had a good giggle at that one after a day full of stresses.


Then Night Kat Kiz and I watched two horror movies over a couple of nights - Suspiria (1977) version and Suspiria (2018) version. I like both films and could see the artistic style chosen to shoot both movies. The original was full of vibrant colour and could easily be incorporated into a theatre/ stage production. The newer version tends to expand the narrative and I'm not certain if it was made as a prequel or sequel to be honest with you. One of the most brutal scenes in horror, would be when one dancer decides to become a human pretzel.......


Anyway, it got to 10:30PM and we were approaching quite a tense scene. Suddenly a high-pitched squealing sound could be heard coming from the kitchen. It was louder than the movie and instantly made us go and check it out. No appliances were making the sound and Night Kat Kiz and I established that the sound was coming from next door or outside. I opened up the roller door that leads to outside and noticed two walky talkys sitting out in the night air. When I picked them up, we noticed that they were switched 'OFF' and couldn't explain the sound that was coming from one of them. Obviously they had been left outside for a couple of days, because the kids forgot them whilst playing outside.


We thought that was the end of that issue, but it happened again about 10 minutes later. Night Kat Kiz walked out to the back table to inspect, while I went to the garage to get the screwdriver. She mentioned, "Is this the part we get separated and locked outside?". Don't laugh, it's actually happened before. I took the batteries out of each walky talky and didn't have an issue again. Why did they start going off after a couple of days? Why did they start going off at that moment we were watching a horror movie? It all added to the suspense anyway. Not sure if The Murlocs are into horror movies, but their name reminds me of the creatures from 'The Time Machine' movie and book - (The Morlocks).


Make sure you watch that movie to check out these handsome creatures. Listen to to 'Old Locomotive' or any of The Murlocs albums in the coming days. They are a great Aussie band and hope that I get to see them perform live at some stage. Hopefully at The Enmore in the next couple of years. Remember, the most important thing right now is health and happiness. If you are reading a good book currently and want to recommend something to us, please reach out and let us know on our Instagram page. I've been reading a book lately called, "You Like It Darker" by Stephen King. A collection of short stories that are pretty disturbing. Let's just say that it isn't a book that I will be reading to the children at nighttime. Make sure you hug your loved ones and also clean your stylus from time to time.


Until our next Spin.....



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