Album Review: Where’s The Medicine Man by East River – A Wild Ride Through Aussie Rock
Alright, let’s get into it. Where’s The Medicine Man by East River is one of those albums that just hits different. Released back in 2012, this Australian gem blends Psychedelic Rock, Punk, Garage Rock, and even a splash of Surf vibes. Yeah, you heard me right—Surf Rock down under makes total sense when you think about it. It’s raw, unpolished, and kinda feels like the band didn’t care too much about perfection—which honestly works in their favor.
The album kicks off with “Young Neil Horse Crazy,” and man, this track sticks with you. It’s got this wild energy, like someone handed them an electric guitar and said, “Go nuts.” The riffs are fuzzy, the drums sound like they were recorded in a garage (probably because they were), and the vocals? Let’s just say pitch-perfect ain’t the goal here. But none of that matters—it’s catchy as hell and gives off major stoner rock meets surf punk vibes. You can almost picture yourself cruising along some dusty Outback road while blasting this tune. If anything, it sets the tone for what’s coming next.
Then there’s “Weeds”—a slower burn compared to the opener but equally memorable. This one leans more into the psychedelic side of things, with trippy guitar licks and lyrics that feel like they came straight outta a fever dream. There’s something hypnotic about how the song builds up, layer by layer, until you’re fully immersed in its weird little world. By the time the chorus hits, you’re either nodding your head or scratching it, wondering if you accidentally ate something suspect earlier. Either way, it’s effective.
Other tracks like “Livin’ In The Dreamtime” and “Salsa Picante” keep the momentum going, mixing groovy rhythms with chaotic bursts of noise. And then you’ve got songs like “Space Of Aids” and “Wet Dream Fiasco,” which… well, let’s just say these titles alone tell you everything you need to know about East River’s sense of humor. They don’t take themselves too seriously, and honestly? That’s refreshing.
What really stands out about Where’s The Medicine Man is how unapologetically Aussie it feels. From the DIY production to the quirky blend of genres, it’s clear this band wasn’t trying to make a polished masterpiece—they wanted to have fun. And guess what? Fun is contagious. Listening to this album feels like hanging out with mates who are way cooler than you but still invite you to the party anyway.
So yeah, if you’re into music that doesn’t follow the rules and has more personality than most bands today combined, give Where’s The Medicine Man a spin. Just don’t expect anything fancy—it’s rough around the edges, messy at times, and absolutely brilliant because of it.
Oh, and here’s a random thought to end on: I bet if you played this album backwards, you’d hear koalas judging your life choices. Now THAT would be rock 'n' roll.
