Album Review: High Risk Behaviour by The Chats

The Chats may have started as a joke, the group's breakout track 'Smoko' dripping in Aussie humour in a way not unlike hard-hitting compatriots Amyl & The Sniffers, but 'High Risk Behaviour' has them showing off a far more polished sound than rough-around-the-edges 2017 release 'Get This In Ya' while keeping the Antipodean charm that's been their calling card. "Chicken schnitty, parmigiana, rump steak," goes the verse of 'Pub Feed', while 'Drunk and Disorderly' uses clashing guitars and agitated drums to narrate a big night out. 'High Risk Behaviour' is a record that's bound to solidify The Chats' name as a truly unique proposition.

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From Australia's Sunshine Coast, the Chats are storytellers — something you don't always expect from punk bands. Their stories are casual, conversational and extremely candid, while simultaneously direct and to the point. High Risk Behaviour, named after one of drummer Matt Boggis's ticketed offences, is a flurry of one- to two-minute tracks filled with Aussie slang and references. Rebellious, youthful and sweaty, the Chats have the classic punk sound with completely fresh ideas in their lyrics. Right off the bat, "Stinker" might not be the way your average North American might describe an extremely hot day, but by the time frontman Eamon Sandwith belts the Aussie adjective over first chorus you'd know exactly what it meant..

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The Chats are self-styled "dropkick drongos from the Sunshine Coast", and they rip through their debut album at breakneck speed. There are plenty of nods to The Sex Pistols' fury and nihilism, but instead of the establishment-baiting of Johnny Rotten, the lyrics here are more akin to a Queensland version of Goldie Lookin Chain. Hence we're treated to tracks about STIs ('The Clap'), binge-drinking ('Drunk and Disorderly'), and - perhaps the most Australian topic for a song ever - being refused entry to a pub because you have a mullet ('Keep the Grubs Out').

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The Lowdown: High Risk Behaviour is the third album from Australian punks The Chats. The record is being released on their own label, Bargain Bin Records, proving that they're committed to both loving DIY and resenting any type of authority. In the press release, vocalist and bassist Eamon Sandwith denies any misconception that they're perfectionists, saying: "Some of the songs were first-take, and we were like, 'That's good, whatever.'" All of the songs are under three minutes, and most are even less than two.

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