Coloured Balls - Ball Power There's been a lot of time spent on Australia's new frontier here, so now its time to pay some respects to those that laid down the rock gauntlet so many years ago. Radio Birdman, The Saints and The Scientists often get their due but not as often Aussie proto-punks
Coloured Balls. The band unleashed their classic Ball Power in 1973 which puts them well ahead of the punk growl that would eventually unfold in their wake. They take the rough shod rock of Pink Fairies and volume of MC5 and knock it in the head with a dose of snarl that's wrapped around the guitar antics of Lobby Loyde (Purple Hearts, Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs, Wild Cherries), already a legend in his own right at the time this album was released. The band was associated with and supported by suburban "Sharpie Gangs" which lead to a certain degree of violence at their shows and would eventually impact their ability to find available venues due to fear of property damage. They released a sophomore album, Heavy Metal Kid that spawned a top 40 hit, but would disband in 1974 with Loyde going on to join Rose Tattoo and pursuing solo work. Still, this remains a classic of the turning point in Aussie heavy rock and a rather influential guitar album for years to come. Listen: Support the artist. Buy it HERE