Rollerball Submarine Review
Rollerball
Submarine (LP Reissue)
Ripple Music
2009/2026
Ripple Music is one of the best labels in the Stoner scene that’s still out here picking it up and putting it down. No matter the time of year, or how closely you’ve been paying attention, you can always count on Ripple to pull something out of the hat that’s fun, exciting, and worth your time.
The latest release to get the Ripple treatment is “Submarine,” originally released in 2009 by Australian Stoner/Heavy Rock outfit Rollerball. Admittedly, this one wasn’t on my radar back when it first dropped, but it didn’t take more than a few spins for me to catch the waves the band was making at the time. This reissue falls under Ripple’s “Beneath The Desert” series.
Originally, “Submarine” only saw a CD release through Plus1 Records - no vinyl, no fanfare, and apparently not many copies making their way down South where I’m at. That said, geography doesn’t mean a damn thing when the music hits like this. What Rollerball delivers here is a straight-up love letter to ’70s Hard Rock, drawing clear inspiration from Free and Humble Pie, with a subtle nod to Uriah Heep if you’re listening close. There’s even a bit of Soundgarden lurking, which adds an unexpected but welcome layer to the sound.
One of the standout aspects of this album, beyond the music itself, is how it was recorded. According to the one-sheet, “Submarine” was tracked live, without a click. As a drummer who prefers working that way, I can absolutely appreciate that approach. You can hear it throughout the album: the songs breathe, the groove is alive, and the vibe feels natural and unforced. Too often, click-tracked recordings come off mechanical and soulless, creating a disconnect between the band and the listener. Recording live without a net allows for those subtle pushes and pulls - playing slightly ahead or behind the beat - that gives the music character and intention.
On “Submarine”, Rollerball fully lean into that freedom. The performances are honest, heartfelt, and believable across the board. Gargantuan riffs, smooth and confident vocal delivery, and some killer bass work are present throughout. The band sounds locked in, comfortable in their skin, and fully committed to the moment.
Whether you’re a die-hard ’70s Hard Rock fan, deep into today’s Stoner scene, or someone who still dabbles in the ’90s Stoner/Grunge crossover, “Submarine” is an album you don’t want to miss. There isn’t a weak moment on the record; the band is juiced and firing on all cylinders from start to finish. Highly recommended, and a no-brainer addition to any well-curated collection.
Standouts – “Tame Existance”, “Youth Bailed (Back To Hell)”, “We Always Slide” and “Submarine”.