This Melbourne, Australia band has received notice in Australia and Europe for its genre-spanning alt-rock, but has yet to make much of a name in the states. It’s possible this is due to its idiosyncratic Outback rock that effectively blends country-rock, psychedelia and folk, an interesting mix for which many Americans might not be ready.

The Drones (who never exactly drone) are taking some very heady cues from Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison and the 13th Floor Elevators. Where the Drones suffer, interestingly enough, are their songs that rock. Cranking up the volume surely increases the intensity, but often pushes the songs close to insincere, melodramatic territory–which is the case in “Nail It Down”. When they slow down and move into folk territory, as they do in “Careful As You Go” and “Cold and Sober”, they evoke desolate winter campfires. Stunning stuff that gets under the skin and stays. Too much of vocalist Garreth Liddiard can become grating; however, when he belts, he sounds eerily like an Australian Aaron Neville.

Havilah is a sometimes draining, but also a fascinating listen that showcases a band on the verge of breaking out. The Drones are solidifying expert songwriting chops as they ramble on, and soon may make a bold, genre-defining album, but for now reside sort of in that middling, good-but-not-great range.

Take Two by Elaina Lonidier

It might take a minute—or more—but the droning of this band based out of Melbourne, Australia will grow on you. For anyone that has had to overcome the voices of Joanna Newsome or Tom Waits you know what I’m trying to say. Havilah is loaded with dissonant bridges and strong dynamic solos. Their music will heave itself upon you when you least suspect it and the politically driven lyrics from the school of Nick Cave or Neil Young will demand your attention—just like the latter. If you happen to be in Europe (lucky you), they are on tour now and scheduled to play Barcelona, Spain on May 29th. This is bound to be a good show if you like it loud, raw and dark.