THE NEPTUNE POWER FEDERATION is a Psychedelic Hard Rock band located in Sydney, Australia. They specialize in the type of music that made MOTORHEAD and BLACK SABBATH famous; aggressive, no mercy Hard Rock that kicks the ass of weaker music fans. According the band's bio they have played for a lot of bikers and other rebellious types who are normally difficult to impress. I believe it, too. I had no idea what to expect before I listened to the band's most recent release, "Memoirs Of A Rat Queen".  The last thing I expected was to be nearly speechless by the time I listened to the entire thing.

"Can You Dig" completely fools you with its intro; you get the impression that you're about to listen to some sort of sample-laden piece of Electronica. Instead, the track quickly becomes seriously heavy Hard Rock with an Acid Rock spirit. The guitar riffs are impressive in their own right, but you'll quickly notice that it's the voice of Screaming Loz Sutch that keeps you spellbound. She's a fantastic cross between Janis Joplin and Lemmy when it comes to the sheer amount of presence she has as she sings. I can only imagine how live audience reacts to her. "Watch Our Master's Bleed" is also deceptive at the beginning with its sweet-sounding opening notes. However, it's actually a song all about revolution. It's vintage rock for the underclass, echoing the unrest and lack of satisfaction that dominated the early 1970s. The Man and the Establishment were the enemy back then, not to be trusted at all and certainly not to be counted on for any sort of compassion. The track brings that feeling to life for the modern age in an epic manner. "Flying Incendiary Club For Subjugating Demons" reveals the real identity of the album as you notice a certain theme being presented; the whole thing is actually a Rock Opera, which enjoyed a fair amount of popularity during the 1970s. There are many theatrical elements present within the tracks that tell as story as you listen to them. However, I won't spoil things by revealing the story to you; if want to know then get a copy of the album.  "Rat Queen" has the perfect early '70s Acid Rock tone and sound. The vocals are nothing short of astounding; jaw-dropping is more accurate. The music is also excellent; heavy as hell and hard-edged. The track is a rocker for sure.

"Bound For Hell" starts out Blues-based with a great slide guitar performance. The vocals are sung using a completely different style, creating a terrific contrast the toys with your ears as you listen to it. The tone changes to Psychedelic Hard Rock again, weaving even more of a spell. I don't feel as if I have the adequate vocabulary to describe just how outstanding and trippy this music truly is. If you were alive during the 1970s you'll see what I mean if you decide to give it a listen for yourself; it's total deja vu. "I'll Make A Man Out Of You" is a Hard Rock rage-filled masterpiece. The perfect anthem for scorned women everywhere, no joke. Everything about the song is spot-on; it ROCKS. If you decide to listen to just one song from the album you really should pick this one. "Pagan Inclinations" is even more Hard Rock excellence with a nice amount of Psychedelic Rock blended in to keep things interesting. The harmonies are insane on this track; it's hard to focus on anything else to be honest. However, once you manage to take notice of it you'll see that the music is equally good. "The Reaper Comes For Thee" starts out sinister before picking up the pace and showing a lot more energy. It's guaranteed to have you moving as you listen to it, too; it's impossible to resist,trust me on this. It's an excellent song to finish an excellent album with, though I am really sad the the ride is already over with. It was an absolute blast!

Australia's music scene appears to be alive and very well if THE NEPTUNE POWER FEDERATION is any indication of the bands that are taking part in it. It is reassuring to know certain older types of Hard Rock won't be forgotten after all. A whole new generation has picked up where the older one left off and looks ready to put their mark on it as well. So, do I recommend the album? Yes.