Following the double-platinum success of their second album, expectations were high for the late September release of Eskimo Joe’s third album, Black Fingernails, Red Wine. Not being too familiar with the Australian band, I, on the other hand, had no idea what to expect, yet found myself pleasantly surprised quite early into only my first listening. In fact, the ballad London Bombs stuck with me in such a way that I could not get it out of my head after this first listening. The haunting, yet optimistic feel of a repeating keyboard hook in the right hand gave me goosebumps. When listening to this song, one can’t help but feel the significant weight and restlessness of the lyrics—a lover hoping that his love will come home safely to Australia after the terrorist bombings in London.

This is an extremely well-arranged album from start to finish. Perhaps being so close that they compare themselves to brothers, the band members, Kavyen Temperly (vocals), Joel Quartermain (drums), and Stuart MacLeod (guitar) are able craft such an honest and self-effacing sound so as to keep the listener singing after the album is over. Although considered “darker” than their other two records, this is definitely a soulful Australian rock album.

Check out the following two tracks, both from the album. If you decide to purchase a physical copy of the album you'll not only get the twelve tracks, but a second disc with videos on it as well.


Eskimo Joe - Black Fingernails, Red Wine : Black Fingernails, Red Wine

Eskimo Joe - London Bombs : Black Fingernails, Red Wine