Station Road Delivers Real Rock 'n' Roll on “Whiskey Eyes”

Station Road
“Whiskey Eyes”
Independent
2025

Do you remember when rock ‘n’ roll was fun? Back before keyboards took over in the 1980s and autotune had yet to emerge? A time when new music on the radio was the soundtrack to your life, and you felt everything with an intensity that is hard to imagine today? While great hidden treasures are released every year, there is a shortage of new good-time rock ‘n’ roll. Finding such a release today is rare and feels like falling in love for the first time. Australian band Station Road’s debut album “Whiskey Eyes” is that gem and deserves recognition.

Two of this album's standout tracks are "Smoke in the Dark," which evokes a past love that lingers sweetly, and "Still Burning On," a poignant song of longing for a lost love and the agonizing pain of knowing his beloved is with another. But WAIT! Our hero reclaims the lady fair, and together they flee into the night. Now, isn't that rock 'n' roll?

This project is squarely rock for adults, as three songs, “Your Mother & Me,” “Till Your Wings Can Fly,” and “Chase Your Fire,” are from a parent’s perspective. These adult sensibilities are lovingly expressed by a person still in touch with their own youthful pursuits and perils. "Chase Your Fire" is a father's thoughtful admonition to his son to follow their passions and dreams. This is a beautiful sentiment in the spirit of Bob Dylan's "Forever Young."

The guitar-driven “Outlaws on the Run” continues the theme of breaking the rules for whatever fleeting passion may bring. "Get Off My Back" is a parting of the ways declaration, complete with a brief rap. The title track, "Whiskey Eyes," recalls more young love and heartbreak.
 
The album closes with "Living The '90s Aussie Dream." This brings back memories of misspent youth and good times with friends. Although not my decade, it evokes the universal nostalgia most of us feel for our teenage years. Whether it's Big Star's "In the Street" or "Living the '90s Dream Aussie Dream," it takes one back to a time and place of dreams and endless possibilities.
 
As of this writing, I can find very little information about Station Road. This is the Australian band, not to be confused with other bands by the same name. Oscar Hose is the apparent creative force, who is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. It is unclear if Hose played all the instruments on "Whiskey Eyes," but this is my assumption, pending clarification. In the meantime, this is likely my pick for best Rock album of 2025.