Diesel: Days Like These

Editorial

Release date: 23 August 2008 (Liberation)
Hands up who had kinda forgotten about Diesel? He's gone by so many names and guises, it's hard to remember exactly who he is and what he has done. To refresh your memory: Diesel, aka Johnny Diesel, Mark Lizotte, one of Jimmy Barnes's guitarists and Barnes's brother in law, member of The Injectors, member of The Innocent Bystanders and, of course, 1990's 'has been'. But after six years living in New York City, he returned to Australia in '99 and has since been reviving and gaining fans. His latest album - Days Like These - the first under the Diesel name since '96, is out now.

Despite the mass of things that have been said about Diesel, there is one constant; he is an amazing guitarist. This is still true. While Days Like These is accessible, it still exhibits his amazing ability on the guitar; guitar on showcase - both technically and creatively.

Days Like These (the album's namesake) is full of movement, highlighted with catchy hooks and Diesel's ever-so cool vocals. Souldier has a 1990's Aussie feel, but it's still relevant. Crimson Man is a feel-good track with nice rhythm. Lay Down Here gives 1980's guitar solos new life; in fact, the whole album is speckled with difficult sounding guitars - the boy knows how to show off his skills. Something Good is, well, something good, Need Your Fire is swagger cool and Ain't Giving Up just makes you feel great.

While it might be hard to believe, Diesel has found a way to be relevant in 2008 and it's actually quite good. Since his come back in the late '90s, Diesel has been a musician's musician, but Days Like These might just get Diesel back in the main arena. Uniquely Australian, creatively international and gets better with each listen.

Tracks:
1. Days Like These
2. Souldier
3. Crimson Man
4. Lay Down Here
5. Something Good
6. Prisoner
7. Need Your Fire
8. Ain't Giving Up
9. That Strong
10. Take My Heart

Catherine Hogan, August 2008