A rock song with the seatbelt on. This sounds like Harry Styles covering something off a latter-day Kings of Leon record. It's very safe and clean and light, but that's probably the intention so in that regard it works well enough.

There's a great song somewhere in "Raven." Actually, technically, there's two - and that might be its biggest issue. The first smash-cut from the song's ambience into its drum-and-bass break is such a unique surprise. The problem with pulling the rabbit out of the hat, however, is that you can only do it once. The magic's gone when you go back for a second helping. There needs to be a better comprehension of tension and release in order to get this song from good to great. It's within reach and entirely possible, too. The potential here is overwhelming.

There is a lot to like here. Julia's vocals are perfectly matched to Duan and Rob's production work, and the dynamics at play lift this from the potential trappings that come with chill-out and downtempo music. A very easy, very pleasant listening experience.

This is played very competently, there isn't a foot out of place and it's one of the most concise, tidy rock songs I've heard in a while... so why is it that I feel next to nothing when I hear this? There's no urgency here, there's no grand statement to be made with the lyrics and the execution ultimately feels unremarkable. This is a sandwich with the crusts cut off - the taste is still there, but it feels entirely too safe.

If your dad is into The Mark Of Cain or Blacklevel Embassy or anything else that's mean, muscly and working class, and he reckons "they don't make 'em like this anymore," send him Plovers' way. He might not trust them, being millennials and all, but this is burly noise-rock with much more brawn than you might have anticipated.

This is fine. It's entirely serviceable. It's adequate. It's very clear what you're going for, and it's done respectfully enough. The issue is that there are literally hundreds of bands across Australia doing the exact same thing. What do you plan on doing to make people care about Starve over all of them? What is going to make them want to go out of their way to see you? What is something you can offer other bands cannot? These are things you should genuinely be considering going ahead.

Okay, let's look at the positives here: That's a tasty riff. Y'all must have been on that good kush when that bad boy came together. Instrumentally, this is really strong. My sole reservation is with the vocals - you either need to go full Crowbar and just howl the house down, or you need to give this the Cro-Mags treatment. The soft, semi-spoken vocals aren't gonna cut it. Go hard or don't go at all - seriously, this could absolutely work as an instrumental.

As a band you're very clearly influenced by once said: It's all about confidence, baby. If you're going to try pursuing the roots-rock/reggae sound, dive in from a great height. Make a splash. Do something to stand out. Here, you're just dipping your toes in the ocean (alley). My advice? Don't stay in your Lane - swerve and see what happens.

This is a completely different Dos Enos to the one I used to see kicking around bars in Wollongong a few years ago - I legitimately had to double check it was the same band. This is a surprising change, but a welcome one. The bass work here is really cool, and the snare has a real crack to it that is irresistible. Look forward to checking back in again in a couple of years, when they've inevitably turned into a thrash metal band.