PRESS
OVERSIZE
Get into the heavy groove.
Rollerball have earned their rep as one to this country’s most solid
acts by working hard, constantly getting better at their game and keeping their
intentions honest. Building on the promise of 2002’s Superstructure –
an epic monument to all things powerful which, unfortunately fell flat somewhere
around three-quarter time – Oversize ups the ante without abandoning their
sonic roots (sitting between a modern stoner style and classic, no-nonsense
rock). Singer Tenpin Boland once again shows off one of this country’s
heftiest sets of lungs, while producer Mark Opitz (the Angels, AC/DC) keeps
things from getting mired down in the sort of sludge many of the Rollerball’s
peers seem to hide behind.
**** Rolling Stone, January 2005
Difficult second album? Not for Brisbane’s Rollerball
In 1999, the dirty grooves of Rollerball's debut EP “Lost in Space”
initially saw them tagged Stoner Rockers. But by the time the four piece laid
down their first album, Superstructure, they ditched the bong and were heading
in more of a hard rock direction. Now, with Oversize, they have taken that approach
and further refined it, aided no doubt by producer mark Opitz (ACDC, The Angels,
Cold Chisel). Concise and dynamic, the twelve songs here are packed full of
hooks and biting riffs. Whether its punchy opener Turned back the River; the
hip swinging rock’n’roll of Spray; 80’s sounding, fist pumping
rock World weight; or acoustic closer Drink until light, each stands as tall
as an Accadacca size speaker stack.
Rating: KKKK - Australian Kerrang Issue, January 2005 – Rod Hunt
Oversize, the follow up to Superstructure, sees Brisbane stoners Rollerball
reducing their song writing down to pure nuts and bolts and producing a most
solid Oz rock album that will see them lose their Soundgarden stigma altogether.
Going for a simpler approach, ironically Rollerball seem to have put more thought
into crafting these tunes, and it’s obvious how much care they’ve
taken in recording them. Like, Grinspoon’s new album, old time fans will
find this hard to accept at first and it’s liable that many will point
fingers at the slickness of the overall finish. But given time, these songs
start to really come into their own as only tunes built to stand the test of
time can.
******** Blunt Magazine, Issue 34
Exuding all the hallmarks of a classic Aussie rock album, Rollerball’s
superb second full-lengthy effort is a clarion call to all those who appreciate
gutsy rock’n’roll artistry.
Like the bunch of unrestrained Aussie rockers they are, the boys come charging
in with opener “Turn Back The River”. A grand hard rock offering,
“Lucille” stands out as an explosively tight, no-holds-barred group
effort. Tunes like “Bookend” uncover the strength of Matt Boland’s
majestic vocal delivery, which contributes the necessary spark to set this volatile
four-piece outfit on fire.
Producer Mark Opitz has captured the venom of the gutsy riffs that bite at Rollerball’s
listeners’ ears in a live environment throughout the lumbering momentum
of “Broken Open”. Solidifying the drive of Rollerball’s signature
minimalist grooves, the song tumbles out of the speakers loud and clear. While
“Spray” is assertively focused enough to be radio-ready, Rollerball
also deliver the obligatory all-out rockers like the thumping “Armed and
Dangerous” and tender closing ballad “Drink Until Light”.
Oversize is a formidable Aussie rock album that is undeniably destined for bigger
success.
****1/2 Brad Larter, Time Off
YOBBO ROCK & ROLL
Rollerball record second album.
Brisbane's Rollerball have proudly stepped their game up a notch after
recently completing recording for their second bracing hard rock album. After
initially planning to record their latest album at Rockinghorse Studios, Rollerball
relocated to the well appointed 301 Studios in Byron Bay to lay down some stomping,
yet minimalist riff heavy hard rock tunes.
In between takes at 301 Studios Rollerball's guitarist Dave Talon explains
the reason behind the last minute decision to record at 301 Studios. "We
arrived at Rockinghorse and it needed a bit of maintenance. We'd initially
been tossing up whether to go to Rockinghorse or 301, but we left it in the
hands of Mark [Opitz]. He thought we'd give Rockinghorse a go and we've
enjoyed being there before. But now in hindsight, it's probably good that
came here, "cause we've got the producer and a different engineer.
It's all nice and fresh. This place is fuckin' like Disneyland.
It's a fuckin' lovely set-up. That desk in there, that Neve desk
is fuckin' unbelievable" Dave enthuses.
Dave Talon explains, "There's one song that's goin'
to be acoustic track on the album. It's going to be very stripped down
and simple, but everything else is just yobbo, rock out with your cock out SG
stuff. It's all pretty simple, which I like", Dave forthrightly
asserts.
Having worked in the recording studio with legendary Australian hard rock bands
such as AC/DC and the Angels, Mark Opitz admits there was no financial incentive
whatsoever for him to produce Rollerball's second album. Mark Opitz' glowing
enthusiasm for Rollerball is obvious when he asserts, "Rollerball are a good
unit and they've got great people behind them. I'm very, very happy with the
overall result " there's no question about that! We thought, well these guys
have got a quality sound with what they do, let's go see if we can work with
these guys and be inspired by them." BLUNT MAGAZINE
SUPERSTRUCTURE
"Stoner rock from the likes of Queens of the Stoneage is proving a welcome antidote
to all the overhyped rock-is-back "The" bands of the moment. With Superstructure,
Australian band Rollerball aren't jumping on the bandwagon; they're riding up
front with the driver. It's a beautifully crafted album recalling '70's fuzz
rock, early AC/DC and Kyuss. Dirty, fuzzy, honest and raw, it has no sense of
urgency, and gets better with every listen. Tenpin Boland's voice has a huskiness
with the beauty of early Bon Scott or Dride's Dale Thompson, standing out on
tracks such as Daisy Chain or Loungeroom Lifer, and the falsetto backing vocals
on Head Song are wonderful. Rollerball also know how to let songs breathe, backing
off to great effect just before moving on to some chunky rock. Highly Likely
starts with a fantastic intro of restrained acoustic blues before moving into
a grinding foot-stomper fleshed out by wicked harmonica. In an age when albums
are often overproduced to the point of banality, Superstructure is an excellent
example of stripped back rock n roll." THE AGE, MELBOURNE
"Compared with the fuzz laden strains of Rollerball's first two EPs, Lost In
Space and Let Your Hair Hang Down, the band's debut full length sees them pursuing
a slightly cleaner and more diverse sound. This shift may well open the outfit
up to a wider audience. Fortunately, though it's not all spit and polish though,
with such moments offset nicely by the straight up AC/DC-ish rifferama of the
title track, the driving, gritty Head Song and the dirty, blues harp enhanced
Highly Likely. Oz rock for the new millennium" KERRANG
It has taken a while but the time has come for Rollerball to take things to
a whole new level and with this album they can certainly do that. It is a solid
start to finish affair from the four-piece outfit from Brisbane, one that they
will see success from that's for sure."ANEMIC MAGAZINE
"Queensland vocalist Matt Boland could be passed off for a distant relative
of ex - Kyuss/Unida frontman John Garcia. With his soulful cigarette ravaged
rasp set to stoner rock grooves, crashing cymbals and trusty AC/DC style riffing,
this rootsy quartet have transported a tiny slice of Palm Springs Desert rock
back to the Gold Coast and called it their own" ROLLING STONE
"The vinyl crackle that heralds opener ‘Loungeroom Lifer’ sets the mood for
Rollerball’s debut longplayer, a revisionist excursion in classic rock free
from the sort of retro pastiche that could prove fatal. Superstructure succinctly
showcases a band big on rock moves, painting with broader brushstrokes than
their stoner roots. Vocalist Matt ‘Tenpin’ Boland has a voice that could strip
paint – a gruff mix of Bon Scott, Chris Cornell and John Garcia with the melodic
edge of Chris Robinson. It’s the centrepiece of each track, brutally matched
by solid drumming big on rolls and equally demonstrative riffing. Whether it’s
the Western barroom brushes that lend a country flavour to chug-fest ‘Highly
Likely’ or the warm acoustic line running through the melodic ‘Looking For The
Moon’, it ain’t all stoner style rock. Ball-tearer ‘Superstructure’, ‘Trip Party’
and the swagger of ‘Lifetime’ are closer to the band’s template, but still offer
more colour.Now in stores following a national tour to support its release,
Superstructure is a rippin’ stockin’ stuffer for hard rock lovers this Christmas."
TIME OFF ALBUM OF THE WEEK
"Just so you’re in no doubt as to where Rollerball’s sentiments lie, this debut
album builds a vinyl scratch into it’s sound and splits it’s eleven tracks into
Side 1 and 2. Yep, there’s a direct channel into rawk’s hairy halcyon day’s
here, even to the point of serving up a rollicking 70’s style blues romp in
Highly Likely, complete with chugging guitars and parping mouthharp. That track
is not indicative of the sheer power this band can usually deliver, but it’s
proof positive that the channel here is a broad one, with space aplenty here
for other roots and branches to both modify and modernize their classic riff-heavy
rock. In that sense, the classic and stoner tags this band has been associated
with are still pretty much in evidence here, especially on mammoth, heads down
stomps like Next To You. But their sound has evolved solidly along the way.
So acoustic guitar and mellower mood introduces Looking For The Moon, bringing
in echoes as distinct as The Black Crowes and the Rolling Stones. Meanwhile
the hefty swing of Lifetime has a sharper melodicism under the weighty drive,
again with a touch of the Stones. Yet, if they make no bones about their sources
of inspiration, this set shows how they’ve really come of age on this seriously
rocking effort” RAVE MAGAZINE
"UK metal bible Kerrang proclaimed that Rollerball are "Oz rock for the new
millennium". Not entirely sure what that means apart from yes, they are Australian.
They certainly rock. And we have recently entered a new millennium. But judging
by this debut album from the Gold Coast stoners, Kerrang's new millennium must
be a lot like the 1970's. Rollerball are so retro it's a surprise that there's
no eight track version. But it's all done so expertly is sounds as fresh as
a daisy. Opener 'Loungeroom Lifer' is a typical riff heavy behemoth of a rocker,
while the funky boogie of 'Daisy Chain' and the harmonica solo, country vibe
'Highly Likely' show they can tackle other genres. Nobody - whether they're
Oz or not, new or not, rock like Rollerball rock." SAINITY MAGAZINE
"After two promising EPS Australia's finest exponents of the stoner genre Rollerball
have at last unleashed their debut slab of fuzzed-out, sun burnt rock. Comparisons
to Soundgarden and Kyuss would not be far off the mark, but to say that is putting
this in the shadow of those bands, clearly somewhere Rollerball do not deserve
to be. For one, vocalist Matt Boland could match up to either John Garcia or
Chris Cornell any day of the week. What's more, there is something distinctly
Australian about the way they sound. Hearing Rollerball I imagine cruising down
to the beach in the blazing sun, windows down, surfboard on the roof racks,
spliff in hand - crank it up!" BLUNT MAGAZINE
"Rollerball are a hard rock band, there is no doubt about that. Their sound
is definitely laced in Sabbath worship like most that play heavy rock nowadays.
The first song reminded me of a cross between early 90's Soundgarden and one
of the more upbeat Sabbath moments. Gotta love that. There is a mean driving
force behind the vocals, and from time to time it's hard not to hear the similarities
between Rollerball and Kyuss. These guys definitely share the same influences.
It's overall a very heavy driving rock- with lots of changes...but pretty much
head-banging to the beat the whole time. The changes are not too confusing...simple
and nicely done. Some of the open chords instead of the chug remind me of AC/DC
as well. Great tones and great arrangements. Vocals are right up there somewhere
between Chris Cornell and John Garcia. One other thing I might mention is that
there is a certain radio quality to all the songs...not that they sound pretty,
but they are all full of hooks that are catchy in a good way. There is something
for everyone of the hard rock variety and plenty of surprises. Check out this
CD for some well written, well done rock and roll. Hard and mean at times and
driving non-stop." STONERROCK.COM
"Rock n roll, baby. A long-time coming, Rollerball’s debut album “Super Structure”
is proof of exactly why you shouldn’t forget about a band that have been laying
low. These comparatively quiet times are now over and the rockin’ Rollerball
are eyeing a summer of non-stop touring, and what better CD as the soundtrack
could there be than a typically Australian rock release?
The first ever band signed to the insanely talented Rhythm Ace roster, Rollerball
have already released two EP’s, which has gained the band much alternative radio
airplay, however with the release of Super Structure, their level of exposure
should skyrocket. This will come easily for this Brisbane-based 4-piece, who
with an uncanny knack of recreating a classic rock style without allowing it
to sound fraudulent, have also given this release one of the best looking covers
of the year – sure to catch your eye. While Rollerball’s apparent claim that
their rock is bigger than man itself might be a bold one, they sure aren’t far
off the mark. The riffs are big and creative, however the overall sound is let
down slightly by production that doesn’t weld the guitar and bass section together
into a strong wall of sound. Sure it’s nit picking, but you’ve been warned that
when played at a loud volume, you wouldn’t want to already have a headache.
Rollerball are vocally reminiscent of a huskier Chris Cornell (Soundgarden,
Audioslave), while the complete band sound sits somewhere in the middle of Fu
Manchu and Guns N Roses. This sure is rock, with a distinctly Australian tone.
”Loungeroom Lifer” - The opening track isn’t one of the strongest moments on
the album, but introduces the listener to the Rollerball sound nicely. A simple
guitar loops keeps the song moving along nicely, changing up in the chorus.
The vocals sound lazy but never uninterested. Mid-way through the song the pace
picks up drastically for a big lead guitar solo, backed by a strong rolling
groove.
”Head Song” - My personal favourite, “Head Song” is brutally powerful. The pace
continues from where the previous track left off, with the volume level raising
several times in the song with some gruff screams to boot. Sadly short.
”Lifetime” - Nice momentum through the verses, alongside some simple but catchy
riffs. The chorus is the real drawcard of this song though, with a big changeup
and some great high-pitched vocals, reminiscent of Axel Rose.
”Dasiy Chain” - A playful riff opens this song, reappearing after some big changeups.
Everything about this track is big – including big bass and drum solos. The
already mentioned changeups make this song great, and appear at just as any
sense of over-repetitiveness kicks in.
”Highly Likely” - Opening the track with acoustic drums and harmonica, Rollerball
prove they like to keep the listener thinking. A classic country-trucker style
groove keeps momentum, with the chorus adding a few decibels of distortion.
Classy harmonica work is re-introduced late in the track, mimicked by a big
lead guitar solo.
”Super Structure” - Another upbeat number, the title-track features a completely
opposite chorus to what’s already been seen, with almost all music coming to
a halt, making way for vocals to take center stage. Solid.
”Looking For The Moon” - A definite highlight, “Looking For The Moon” features
acoustic guitars for the first time on the album, with a gentle organ backing
the track to provide depth to the sound. Vocals are pushed to the limit, most
noticeably in the great chorus.
”Colder (Santos Dominos)” - A slow-paced track, this time raising the role of
the organ almost to a lead, the difference this time is that they’re used to
add a dramatic effect to the track which works brilliantly. The track loses
its way towards the end with an odd-sounding breakdown, but otherwise another
great track.
”Commodity” - Another groove-propelled track, “Commodity” picks up in the chorus
but for the most part seems a little too similar to what’s already been heard.
The only things that save this track are some great rhythmic section solos and
quickfire lead breaks.
”Trip Party” - A tasty stoner-groove kicks this song off nicely, in classic
Rollerball style. Some underwater effects are added to the vocals in the chorus,
providing just enough variation to the song.
”Next To You” - Slow but punchy, this closing track is a bit of a downer but
ends the album in a solid fashion. Nothing particularly special about this track
other than some lead guitar indulgence.
If Rollerball was an animal, they’d be a Bulldog. They might not be pretty,
and they might not ever show much aggression, but they are sure as hell strong
and stubborn as fuck. Super Structure will stick in your head whether you like
it or not, proving very difficult to remove from the stereo. Not that you’d
want to." NOISETHEORY.NET
"Brisbane 70's style rockers Rollerball bring us their brand new album SuperStructure
and although the band has been around for quite sometime it has to be said that
this effort is their best one to date. Over the years this band has been one
of the hardest working Australian acts that really have never been awarded for
their achievements. Having established a good fan culture around the Brisbane
area over the years this album will take that aspect to a brand new height.
Rollerball are simply a band that has a late 70's sound. People mistake this
band for Bogan Rock which is just bullshit as people these days judge bands
by their image and not their music which in hindsight is utter rubbish. This
album is the reward for the hard yards put in by these lads over the years.
You can tell this as the first track Lounge Room Lifer is a track that throws
all aspects of Rollerball into your lap. You want diversity in this band; well
you have to look no further than this track. It is like the track itself has
been building up for years and is just the start of a rocking album.
With the diversity comes platform for the typical 70's sound track Daisy Chain.
Even the lyrical content of this track takes us for a walk down memory lane
as it shows us just how it use to be all those years ago. Highly Likely is a
more upbeat track however is effective as a flannelettejacket on a cold night,
very out there and again very 70's with a dash of cow prodding involved.
With stability in the middle in the album with tracks such as the title track
and Colder (Satos Dominos) this is certainly a hype type build-up for track
10 Trip Party. Frontman Tenpin Boland is at his best on this tune with his voice
taking everything to a new level. The rest of the band members feed of his amazing
rock voice and go there very hardest to produce a mini epic sound.
It has taken a while but the time has come for Rollerball to take things to
a whole new level and with this album they can certainly do that. It is a solid
start to finish affair from the four-piece outfit from Brisbane, one that they
will see success from that's for sure."ANEMIC MAGAZINE
"Queensland vocalist Matt Boland culd be passed off for a distant relative of
ex - Kyuss/Unida frontman John Garcia. With his soulful cigarette ravaged rasp
set to stoner rock grooves, crashing cymbals and trusty AC/DC style riffing,
this rootsy quartet have transported a tiny slice of Palm Springs Desert rock
back to the Gold Coast and called it their own" ROLLING STONE
"Compared with the fuzz laden strains of Rollerball's first two EPs, Lost In
Space and Let Your Hair Hang Down, the band's debut full length sees them pursuing
a slightly cleaner and more diverse sound. This shift may well open the outfit
up to a wider audience. Fortunately, though it's not all spit and polish though,
with such moments offset nicely by the straight up AC/DC-ish rifferama of the
title track, the driving, gritty Head Song and the dirty, blues harp enhanced
Highly Likely. Oz rock for the new millenium" KERRANG
"Following a lengthy break from recording after the success of their second
EP, Let Your Hair Hang Down, the ball is rolling again for Australia's premier
riff crunchers. Dressed in timeless seventies decor, Superstructure is a mighty
assemblage of groove-ignited rock and pit of the stomach vocals. 'Loungeroom
Lifer', 'Highly Likely', 'Colder' and 'Trip Party' are the serious liquor on
Superstructure, whilst others like 'Looking For The Moon' simmer a fiery mood.
A mighty album indeed." TSUNAMI MAGAZINE
"Rollerball have been carving out a track in live music venues across Oz for
some time now, with walls of guitar fueled rumble. Now they have an album to
help them widen that path and snare more unsuspecting punters into their high
calibre rock machine.
“Longeroom Lifer” kicks off the album and sets the tone with cow bell swing,
casual riffing and some snappy drumwork, backing the distinctive vocal scorch.
There is a laid back vibe here to set the listener back into the bean bag of
fuzz comfortzone. Guitar edge is sharp in AC/DC tone for casualness. Enter drum
roll to begin the plunder on high tempo and the journey takes off to a riffrockfrenzy.
Energy is on the up with “Head Song” which takes the riff on basic strut to
its full conclusion. Solid drumming, rolls on fluid with background shake builds
with edges of FuManchu to entertain the rock tuned ear. Yes thats “Lifetime”,
single from this album. A well tuned and timed ditty already embraced by airways
national. “Daisy Chain” loops in on jangle and attitude, guitar breaks in freak
time search out the many corners of influences. Vocal styln` fits well with
a rough two pack a day rock stalwart vibe but there is a engaging quality within
it that is very unique. These qualities are used well with range and melody
giving each track its own flavour. Down home blues acoustic jangle with harmonica
begins “Highly Likely” and when the amps fire tis in this vein in which they
run for optimum results. A foot tappin` driving riff that threatens and beckons
to be bagged up to full potential, and is. The jam flavour of getting it on
is a highlight here, it doesn`t stay within strict boundaries and confines of
straight ahead rock. Title track is a brisk and brash affair that builds foundations
solid. This vibe continues with “Looking For The Moon”. An acoustic ramble fitting
and uplifting in an open aired environment. Kyuss edges seep through within
“Colder” and are delt with subtle tones and an epic feel. Large scale is played
out well on this track. Atmosphere building, cut up with a scorching riff. Solid
drum work, will add pounds to your ear capacity. “Commodity” also uses some
effects of distant electro to enhance the re-introduction of a razor sharp riff.
Rollerball aren`t in the game of hiding influences or in backing away from where
they dig the riff, up front, sharp and delivered swiftly. “Next To You” closes
the album in this manner wrapped in a casual air lead by some seering soloing.
Crisp and scorching this album also contains an aged quality. Rollerball are
mixing the best of high grade Oz flavoured rock with the space age of intergalactic
counterparts from the desert scene of the states." BEAT MAGAZINE
"After two impressive E.P.’s (1999’s ‘Lost In Space’ and 2000’s ‘Let Your Hang
Down’), Brisbane based stoner rock outfit Rollerball are finally back with their
debut full length album ‘Superstructure’. The album opens up with the familiar
crackling of vinyl before the band turn up the guitars with the boogie influenced
riff to ‘Loungeroom Lifer’. The sound is also focused on a less fuzz/more direct
riff clarity. Straight away, there’s no doubt that Rollerball have delivered
an album that is going to be a winner.
‘Head Song’ and ‘Commodity’ have been doing the live circuits for some time
as the band road tested new material, and are as potent now that they’ve been
committed to tape. The pile driving verses built to full on choruses and will
be sure to get even the most hardened fan moving to the groove. The first single
lifted from the album comes in the double A sided ‘Lifetime/Looking For The
Moon’. There’s an obvious focus on melody and simplicity on ‘Lifetime’, with
vocalist ‘Tenpin’ really trying something different with the high notes. A little
radio play would really go a long way with this potential hit. ‘Looking For
The Moon’ is something quite different with its acoustic backbone and sweeping
chorus. For those out there hoping for Rollerball to do something in a similar
vein of ‘Believe In The Breeze’, look no further. ‘Daisy Chain’ has a slight
funk feel, while ‘Highly Likely’ is a definite nod to old time blues boogie
(Complete with harmonica solo). Title track ‘Super Structure’ is a good time
rocking number, while ‘Colder (Santos Dominos)’ has an almost doom feel in places.
There’s some fancy percussion work courtesy of ‘Cracker’ throughout the energetic
‘Trip Party’, while closing number ‘Next To You’ provides guitarist ‘Talon’
plenty of wailing room.
‘Superstructure’ is everything the band had promised with their earlier releases
and more. If classic seventies inspired rock is what you’re looking for, then
save yourself the trouble and get this album." Justin Donelley
ROLLERBALL - LIFETIME
"With a pair of EPS lond on the shelves and the debut album Superstructure now
available, these local hard - rock purists are on the march. And did we say
purists? Well sure, there's evidence of the kind of grit, we've come to expect
from Rollerball but with both cuts here there's oodles of thoughtful spaciousness
too - just the kind of thing to expand an audience. Lifetime sports plenty of
midpaced punch but patches of worthy sonic ponderance as well, while Looking
For The Mooon is the kind of steel tipped ballardy that could do so very easy
raise the stakes for all concerned. These guys might be faded denim anachronisms
but the time seems right" TIME OFF
"Gutsy, coastal fuzz rock from this quartet whose members are spread between
Sydney and Gold Coast. The instrumental arrangements of Lifetime are deliciously
sparse and bottom end driven - slow and mighty - whilst Tenpin's heary vocals
help lend the band a distinct sound. Co-A side Looking For The Moon introduces
the acoustic guitar and a deeper venture into psychedelic blues territory which,
though more dynamic, is less sucessful than the powerful groove of Lifetime"
INPRESS
ROLLERBALL-S/T (IMPORT)
“I think you all know these guys from Australia. Rollerball are the maters of
70´s Cone-Rock and I would call this CD "The Best Of". 14 songs and and each
one of them is HOT. This CD catches you from the first song "Jonothan E" till
the last song "Theme From Odyssey". Rollerball are the kings in mixing sunny
feeling good music with Heavy-F**ing-Rock. You maybe have their two CD´s, but
this CD is exclusively for Europe and it has all the nice songs on it from their
two previous CD´s + from the Surf-Video "SupaDoopa". This CD is definitely worth
to spend the money on. I highly recommend this CD to everybody who is into Rock.”
DAREDEVIL ONLINE MAGAZINE
“The full-length debut from Australians Stoner Kings ROLLERBALL? No!!! All you
supporters out there will have most of the songs, because the majority of tracks
taken from LOST IN SPACE and LET YOUR HAIR HANG DOWN! I think Water Dragon (France)
released that piece of rock, because it was very hard to get the Rhythm Ace
releases here in Europe. And that is fantastic! So, everybody can now listen
to this outstanding band! Some songs are old, but above all these years they
don`t loose their magic. And you will find some great-unreleased stuff on it
too! The cover is great and features all lyrics. You can find Video clips from
EVIE and LOWLY SUBLIME. And both are very professional and cool! Especially
the girl in Evie....But mainly you will know Stoner Rock hymns like JONATHAN
E., LOWLY SUBLIME or LOST IN SPACE. If you don`t know Rollerball, let me tell
you that they really rock! Great song writing, great vocals - all is perfect!
The 3 unreleased songs are in the same direction as the other material - still
great and very groovy. I think I said all about that release. The underground
freaks will have the copies of the above mentioned releases and if you haven’t
the chance to get the older copies - buy this one! This is value for money!
I like it!” DAREDEVIL RECORDS ONLINE
“A band calling themselves Rollerball (presumably after the classic sci-fi flick
rather than the recent dodgy remake) must obviously be fixated on the 70’s,
which would be fine provided they have the tunes to go with the love of retro
stylings. It’s fortunate, then, that this four piece from Brisbane have been
putting a great deal of sweat into forging their cast-iron space-rock credentials.
Australia has been resonating to the thunderous riffage of some well received
Rollerball singles and a handful of tunes from the band’s first two EPs, plus
three new songs make up this solid slab of superfuzzed grooviness. It’s all
here, from the bluesiness of AC/DC to the doomy sludge of Sabbath. And with
one or two surprising detours into lighter territory as well, Rollerball certainly
bodes well for the future” KERRANG MAGAZINE
“Rollerball is born in 1998 in Brisbane (Australia) and has already released
two mini albums through Rhythm Ace records which set them up as one of leading
heavy rock acts from Australia. This full length record might be considered
as their debut album which contains lots of songs coming from their both previous
record as well as three previously unreleased tracks: "Mainframe", "Reflections"
and "Believe in the breeze".
During this record, I have felt a kind of evolution in the song writing where
the personality of the band gets stronger on few tracks. I don't know which
song has been written before the other ones but the band shows more maturity
on their previously unreleased stuff. They start with a classic fuzzy speed
rocker entitled "Jonathan E." which finds a kind of echo in the tracks "Eye
of the storm" and "Mainframe" even if this last one sounds more rock'n'roll
blended with punk energy. But on most of their numbers, the band seems to like
to play on groovier tempos built around a fuzzier edge. The songs are almost
written upon some quite classic structures from where various influences are
rising up: blues (“Lowly Sublime", "Lake of life”), southern rock (“Believe
in the breeze with its acoustic guitars parts), psychedelism (“Lost in space"
and its lysergic textures or "Theme from odyssey”) as well as garage rock on
"Evie (part1)" which might be an Easybeats' cover.
Rollerball reminds me of Pawnshop and Nebula (“Dragon", "Classical stimuli",
"Reflections”), I really feel a common groove in there which is a big part in
the musical structures of these bands. But Rollerball tries to develop their
songs towards new horizons with more 70's influences and where their sound may
be more direct. It gives a breath of fresh air to their material, which has
much impact to my ears (“Mainframe", "Believe in the breeze”). So this CD should
easily appeal to heavy rock fans that are searching for pretty good rock. And
as a gift to their fans, two videos (“Evie (part 1)" and "Lowly sublime”) are
also included. Could it have been better ” WANADOO ZINE, FRANCE
“Wow, what a good pick for Waterdragon Records!!!
Rollerball is band from Brisbane Australia, formed back in 1998. This album
features tracks from their first two Australian-only EPs and some new songs,
plus two cool videos you can watch on your PC.
Well, I have to say this is top-class stuff, man! Rollerball is a great band
that plays that kind of riff-rock I really like, sometime very rock'n' roll
oriented, and sometime more grrrrrovy, almost doomy and with very good vocals,
perhaps sometime I could say their car is on the same "highway" with Fu Manchu
(better vocals) or Orange Goblin (but less heavy) plus their own psychedelic
moments, but still with great originality on their own, believe me - there is
even a kind-of acoustic-electric ballad, the 12th track 'reflections' - very
very classy.
The songs are always very well performed and recorded, and I have almost no
remarks on this record, what can you say when everything is so good? OK, if
you really want me to be fair, I can say that you can quite well understand
that this record's songs were composed in different time, so the final result
is not as "compact" as it could be. But this is just a minor point you know,
I suggest you to buy this record without thinking twice!” STONED GODS ON
LINE MAGAZINE
ROLLERBALL – LOST IN SPACE
“Brisbane Stoner distortion rock n roll act Rollerball have been bringing smiles
to the faces of many a Kyuss fan with their debut EP. This six tracker rips
itself apart at the seems. The guitars, drums and vocals all melt together into
a psychedelic rock trance. Indeed, Rollerball are the kind of act that would
be perfect as the house band in a 70’s drug film. A band on the path to very
good things” TIME OFF MAGAZINE
“A short intro and then that monster riff breaks through my speakers. What a
riff, what a sound, what a song! Rollerball are good. They do Stoner Rock sound,
which makes me smile. Straight into your face. This is really a high standard
mini LP and if you want to do something good to your ears, this is definitely
a good one. Whiskey soaked voice and tuned down guitars, that’s what Rollerball
is doing and they are doing it good. Look out for their next release” DAREDEVIL
MAGAZINE
“A flat-out ride through the outback in a 70’s hot rod. Think Fu Manchu meets
Supersuckers wit vocals by a laid-back Rob Zombie and you wouldn’t be too far
off. Rollerball is not a pointless Fu Manchu clone though. their sound is more
of a straight ahead rock and roll thing. They also put in lots of touches that
make the record interesting after repeat listens. Many people don’t appreciate
how hard ‘ it is to be effortless AND be interesting. Rollerball does both and
gets your head moving. One of the real surprises of the year” METEOR CITY
ROLLERBALL - LET YOUR HAIR HANG DOWN
“If you foster a gut-yearning for straight up, riff-filled, hot-amp, metal-tinged
rock, go no further. There’s little weakness here form these Gold Coasters.
Blow your load on the riffed-edged roll of ‘Classical Stimuli’ the gravelly
grit of ’24 Hours’ or the rambling rumble of ‘Lake Of Life’. But the bona fide
gem here is a more than solid take on Stevie Wright’s 1974 killer ‘Evie Part
One’. One for the long-haired gits of the world” TIME OFF MAGAZINE