“Bang, bang, bang!” That's the irrepressible Tommy Boyce's immediate description of The Casanova's self-titled debut album. And it's spot on. Ten knock out punches in just 37 minutes. Just like the greats; Back In Black, Highway To Hell, Powerage, High Voltage, TNT … you get the idea. “I know some of the stuff is obviously influenced by AC/DC,” Tommy laughs, “but I think, if anything, I really need to get that out of my system. I've been obsessed.” As you'll hear in the fistful of fun that is The Casanovas, The Casanovas are so much more than just AC/DC imitators, but Tommy is the first to admit his Young brothers obsession. He's probably worn out more AC/DC records than anyone alive and can tell you exactly what guitars, amps, pickups, even guitar straps Malcom and Angus used to record every song. “I spent a lot of time getting the sounds over the years,” says Tommy about The Casanovas' sweet and solid guitar tones. “People sort of think ‘I'll just buy a Les Paul and a Marshall and I'll sound like Jimmy Page', but it just doesn't work like that. And I've tweaked it and tweaked it and tweaked it all different ways and there's just so many factors.” With such a perfectionist leading the band, it's no wonder that The Casanovas' debut took a little longer than anticipated. That and the fact that they've been one of the most in-demand touring bands on the planet in recent months, globetrotting with the likes of The Datsuns and The Living End. It may have been a long wait for those of us who have eagerly followed The Casanovas' every move since their formation in fact, Peter Grant couldn't have orchestrated such an effective strategy. Over the past four years, The Casanovas have released an increasingly popular series of singles and EPs and toured their shiny white shoes off. Not only has this made them tighter than their p ant s and given them invaluable studio savvy, it gives the album an immediate familiarity. Remember that kick ass stomper '10 Outta 10'? Yeah! What a great track! And ‘No Time For Love'? Yep, that's The Casanovas too. Those familiar with the frenetic fire of the band's live set will appreciate their efforts to get it on tape. But, like finding that perfect guitar sound, it hasn't been easy. After deciding that half of the original recordings just weren't up to scratch, the band decided to hit the studio again. Unfortunately, that's where original drummer Patrick Boyce decided to step off. Though devastated by Paddy's departure, Tommy and Damo are over the moon to secure the services of Jordon ‘Jaws' Stanley, drummer of one of their favourite Aussie bands The Onyas. Adding renowned local producer/musician Shane O'Mara to the mix has resulted in just the fireworks Tommy's been striving for. “When we went in and did that stuff with Jaws, we pretty much nailed them really quickly,” Tommy recalls. “Basically the stuff we did with Jaws is really all live; even the guitar solos, we kept those as well. It really, really loses something unless you keep it live. And the more live you keep it, the better it is.” You've heard of that saying ‘greater than the sum of its parts'? It describes every great rock record; the magic that results when patience, dedication, people and planets align. The Casanovas is a perfect example. “I really believe in it,” Tommy stresses. “It's got nothing to do with fashion - although that doesn't mean we don't like to look good! -. but the music itself is as timeless as I'd possibly w ant to make it. I fee l like what we do is a continuation in a tradition of Australian rock 'n' roll. And I fee l like the album sounds like the way Australian rock 'n' roll should sound like. If I wasn't playing in a band, that's how I'd w ant a band to sound, that's the kind of music I'd want to hear.” "It's not hard to see why this Melbourne trio are The Datsuns favourite Australian band. When it's quiet in the adult bookstore where he works night-shift, Tommy Boyce writes clenched-fist rock anthems like "10 Outta 10", one of the standout tracks from their debut EP, "…Keep It Hot"." - NME, London, 11/10/02 The Casanovas have just completed a whirlwind tour of Australia with Motely Crue, which I am pretty sure you’ll be able to read in the next addition of The Dirt. You can experience the full force of The Casanovas live show, the band will be playing a handful of carefully selected venses... hell... The Casanovas make you realise why rock ‘n’ roll was invented in the first place!