There are albums that impress on first listen, and there are albums that stay with you long after the final note fades. 42 Days, the long-awaited new album from the Rose Carleo Band, firmly belongs in the latter category. Eight years in the making, it delivers everything that has made the band such a formidable live force: heart, soul, grit, melody, storytelling and, above all, songs that matter.
Opening track “You Ain’t Foolin’ Me” immediately lays down the band’s calling card. Mick Adkins’ unmistakable guitar tone leads the charge before Rose Carleo’s powerhouse vocal takes centre stage. Stylish, gritty Australian hard rock with attitude and soul, it’s an opening statement that tells you exactly what this band is about. “Hide Away” that follows brings a more immediate melodic punch. Built around a deceptively simple idea and a memorable hook, it’s one of those songs that reminds you how powerful great songwriting can be. Warm, uplifting and instantly accessible, it provides one of the album’s most infectious moments.
The pace continues with “Eulogy For The Devil”, a surging tribute to Elvis Presley. Driven by strong melodies and an undeniable sense of purpose, it celebrates the rebellious spirit and enduring legacy of The King while allowing the band to flex its rock credentials in style.
One of the album’s standout moments arrives with “Daisy’s Song”. Having heard it live during the band’s visit to Western Australia last year, it was already clear this was something special. On record, it exceeds expectations. A magnificent slow-burn power ballad with a huge emotional payoff, it recalls the golden era of Australian rock while showcasing one of the finest vocal performances Rose has committed to tape. This is the kind of song that would have been a massive radio hit in another era.
The hard-rocking “Son Of God” shifts gears once more. Driven by a dirty, AC/DC-flavoured groove and an unforgettable chorus, it captures the band at their most direct and powerful. It’s one of those tracks that burrows into your memory after a single listen and refuses to leave. At the halfway mark, “Remember Me” reinforces one of the band’s greatest strengths: storytelling. Based on a true story, it unfolds like a cinematic tale, drawing the listener into its emotional world through strong narrative and restrained musical confidence. The Rose Carleo Band consistently rise above standard rock clichés, and this track is a perfect example of why.
The beautifully crafted “Where She Sleeps” is among the album’s most moving moments. Dedicated to Milly Broadby, it balances heartbreak and hope with remarkable grace. Tender, reflective and utterly absorbing, it demonstrates the emotional depth that runs throughout the record. That balance between warmth and power continues on “Sacrifice”. Beginning with a bluesy swagger before opening into a soaring slow-rocker, the song builds steadily, allowing both the musicianship and songwriting to shine. It’s another example of the band’s ability to create drama without sacrificing melody.
The lone cover, “Dirt Bound”, originally written by Pontus Snibb of Bonafide, feels completely at home here. Snibb even guests on the track, and fans of classic hard rock will appreciate how naturally it slots into the album’s flow. The Rose Carleo Band make it their own while preserving the raw energy that made the original such a fan favourite.
The title track, “42 Days”, is one of the emotional centrepieces of the album. Written in memory of Rose’s sister Cathy, it transforms grief into celebration, remembrance and resilience. Deeply personal yet universally relatable, it’s among the strongest songs on a record already overflowing with highlights. Closing track “Line ‘Em Up” sends the album out exactly as it should: with a fist raised high and the amps turned up. A joyous celebration of life in a rock band, it’s an anthem for musicians, fans and anyone who understands the thrill of loud guitars, long roads and shared experiences.
What makes 42 Days so compelling is its balance. The band move effortlessly between hard rock, heartfelt balladry, personal reflection and outright celebration without ever losing momentum. Every song serves a purpose, every performance feels genuine, and every musician contributes to the whole.
As legendary Australian rock journalist Murray Engleheart once declared: “Here’s the thing: Rose Carleo is the next Queen of Australian rock.” After listening to 42 Days, it’s difficult to argue. Backed by the exceptional guitar work of Mick Adkins, the rock-solid groove of Bill Kervin on bass and the powerhouse drumming of Mick O’Shea, Rose Carleo delivers the performance of her career on an album that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Eight years may be a long time between albums, but 42 Days proves it was time well spent. This is a collection packed with memorable songs, emotional depth and world-class performances from one of Australia’s finest rock bands. And if you haven’t seen the Rose Carleo Band live yet, do yourself a favour and change that. They remain one of the most compelling live acts in the country.
The Rose Carleo Band:
Rose Carleo – Vocals, Guitar
Mick Adkins – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Bill Kervin – Bass, Backing Vocals
Mick O’Shea – Drums, Backing Vocals
9/10
A powerful, heartfelt Australian rock album that rewards every listen.
The post ALBUM REVIEW: Rose Carleo Band – 42 Days appeared first on The Rockpit.
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