Saturday, January 31, 2026

The Stripp - Life Imitates Art


At least 51% of music-related press releases are utterly cringeworthy. But this inspired spiel from Spaghetty Town Records on the new album from The Stripp was absolutely speaking my language: "Life Imitates Art sounds like the Aussie missing link between AC/DC, Cosmic Psychos, Radio Birdman and The Onyas." Well that sold me! On its second long player, the Melbourne-based foursome steps up from the straight-forward (albeit blistering) action rock of its debut and turns loose a powerhouse rock 'n' roll record with hooks for days. A co-release with Ghost Highway Recordings (Spain) and Beluga Records (Sweden), Life Imitates Art would be absolutely massive if they still played real rock 'n' roll on the radio. 

Fundamentally, The Stripp hasn't veered much at all from its steamrolling, high-energy approach to music. If you're looking for scorching lead guitar and a killer groove, you will be not be disappointed. But while this album brings just as much rock, it delivers a lot more roll. Certainly tracks like "Gotta Go," "Gone," and "MF from Hell" will have the action rock crowd thrashing in firm approval. Yet other songs find the band building off of the fast and furious punk rock 'n' roll blueprint in very satisfying ways. "If You Want Me To" and "Turn Back Time" would not sound out of place on your Joan Jett Pandora channel. "So Long" is kick-ass garage rock of the highest caliber. "Good for Me" is a great modern-sounding rocker with a chorus that will be stuck in your head all week. Album-closer "The End" is measured and haunting and totally unlike anything this band has done before. Bek Taylor has got insane pipes and undeniable star power, and I can absolutely see this album elevating The Stripp to a whole new level of recognition. Not an ounce of energy has been sacrificed, but the more polished production and progression in songwriting really works for this band. I don't have to say "I bet these songs would sound great live" because they also sound great on record! I can't wait to hear what Ted thinks of this album!

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