Hytest

There's something about Australia that either generates redundant crud (Silverchair comes to mind) or overt weirdness ― Bloodduster, anyone? In the same vein, but clearly less grinding dirge than their noisecore buddies, punk rock'n'rollers Hytest learn how to be just as brusque without blowing their amps to oblivion on Dishing Out The Good Times. Pulling from diverse aspects, including Black Flag (for the grunt), Fu Manchu (in order get some groovin' riffs) and the Ramones (for outright awesomeness), Dishing Out The Good Times boasts everything a band feeling even remotely flirtatious with punk requires. Still, while these elements are good enough, the trio opt to expand the experience, delving into touches of '50s rock, Hellacopters/Backyard Babies-ish sleaze, double-time hardcore and a bit more desert rock, offset by simplistic, four-chord bounciness. And while it's all strange, none of it sounds out of place. Together, all of these bits create a spiky, modestly jittery adventure reminiscent of hearing Screeching Weasel for the first time.