There's been some debate on Sydney's live circuit over the merits of The Camels. Some people reckon they're no more than an Australian Blink 182. Others say they're a modern day Beach Boys. Finally their debut album has arrived to settle the argument once and for all: both sides are right.
This is a record of bubble gum guitar pop about chicks and partays. Names like 'Little Black Haired Girl', 'First Kiss' and 'Summertime' sound exactly like classic Brian Wilson titles. Lyrics like "I wish I'd never bought you birthday presents cause we broke up before I got mine" are definitely more of the Blink 182 variety.
Either way, one thing is for sure: All You Ever Needed is the catchiest
slab of punk pop to come out of Sydney in a long time. I defy you to taste
'First Kiss' and not find it sweet. I challenge you to take on the title
track and not bounce like a tigger on a trampoline. I dare you to listen to
'Blackbelt' (about the dangers of making out with a girl who's a martial
arts expert) and not snigger like a schoolboy at the back of the class. If
you don't react in these ways then buddy, you gotta lighten up a little.
If All You Ever Needed was a film it would be American Pie 4: The Sydney
Vacation.
By Andy McLean. Copyright held by author.
First published in The Brag, Sydney, 2004.
All You Ever Needed is available through Shock Records.
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