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Party Dozen – ’21 Bum Salute’ album review: jazzy noise explosion both dramatic and strangely one-note
Australian duo Party Dozen’s fifth album, *21 Bum Salute*, delivers exuberant, jazz-inflected noise shaped by saxophonist and vocalist Kirsty Tickle and drummer Jonathan Boulet. The review praises its ferocious, euphoric energy and playful character, while finding that the record’s narrow musical course limits its impact.
Tracks such as ‘Euro Stomper’ and ‘PMFD’ show the pair turning uneasy rhythms and cacophony into a lively, disconcerting party sound. Organ textures on ‘Age of Fools’ and layered washes on ‘The Stinking Rose’ add variety, but the review says these touches do not prevent the album’s improvised jazz noise from blending together. It was produced by Boulet and released on City Slang on 6 November 2026.
In short
- Party Dozen make a joyful, brassy noise on their fifth album.
- The record reaches intense peaks but often follows one musical course.
- ‘Euro Stomper’ and ‘PMFD’ capture the duo’s unruly energy.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The album’s ferocious saxophone, driving drums and uneasy rhythms turn noise into something euphoric and playful, giving it a distinctive party energy. Tracks such as ‘Age of Fools’ and ‘The Stinking Rose’ add textures that reward listeners who enjoy an immersive sound pursued with conviction.
The case against
The same focused approach can make the album feel narrow: its improvised jazz noise may blur from track to track, limiting the impact of its strongest moments. For listeners who value contrast and development across an album, the occasional new texture may not be enough to break that sameness.