C.O.F.F.I.N. “Australia Stops” 2023. Goner Records. Limited edition white vinyl. The fifth full length release from Australian hard rock/garage punk rockers. I’m usually not a fan of extra growly vocals, but in C.O.F.F.I.N.’s case, that style totally works. His deep snarl is backed by music that is mostly over the top, hard-driving, loud and messy (except the bluesy – with harmonica! – “Beasts“). From their website: “‘Australia Stops’ may be best recognised as words dawned on the back of truck mud flaps. To C.O.F.F.I.N, ‘Australia Stops’ are words that became a polysemous idea and observation on Australian society, culture, art, politics and progression. “When the city burns up you get out, when the flint hits shot you get down,” lyrics roared by drummer/vocalist, Ben Portnoy, a look into ‘idle-Australia’, our government action (or lack thereof) to social issues and the overarching notion of fear of change in this country.” My top tracks include the hard-partying anthemic title track “Australia Stops,” the beaty “Cut You Off,” the hardcore punk-edged “Keep It Dark,” and the cock-rock ass-shaking “Factory Man.” “Night Breaker” slows things down for a minute, its vibe reminding me of dirty 70’s punk like the Dead Boys but then the rest of the LP finishes fast, down n’ dirty.