Label: Third Man Records
By Toby Furlong
Australia has been at the forefront of an indie revival that seen an array of talent emerge for the world to see. On ‘Again’, The Belair Lip Bombs make the strongest claim to leading this rock revolution.
2023’s debut ‘Lush Life’ was fantastic guitar rock that fell firmly into best kept secret territory. After a string of remarkable singles, such as the buzzing lead single ‘Hey You’, all the signs were there that the Lip Bombs were building strongly on previous releases.
Despite the cyclical nature of the title, ‘Again’ is full of fresh ideas, twisting and turning at every corner to ensure it builds on its excellent predecessor.
In true Lip Bombs fashion, opening track ‘Again and Again‘ reminds you why you’ve fallen for this group. It’s the fantastic back-and-forth between Maisie Everett’s soaring vocals and fuzzed-out guitars that best represent the group’s distinct style. Similarly, ‘Another World’ amps up the relentless guitar work to sonic velocity. There’s a real appreciation for 70s sounding angular guitar that orbits around a Gang of Four sound.
Elsewhere, on the lead single ‘Hey You’ the group show all the hallmarks of their evolving sound. A vibrant indie street sound is matched by bright synth loops that drive the group into new territory. It really is hard to believe, with its multitude of guitar flourishes, and unwavering self assurance, that this is a track by a group still in their infancy. The Belair Lip Bombs have arrived on the scene fully formed.
Look no further than the group favourite ‘If You’ve Got The Time’ for the clearest indication of what this band are out to achieve. Stones style guitar licks that could be described as arena rock… appropriate for future plans and destinations?
‘Again’ is an embrace of stripped-back directness, excelling in its simplicity. Every track is the sound of a bond between musicians all pulling in the same direction. The frantic guitar work could descend into pure fuzz but the pure adrenaline and belief in all these songs powers it forward. Even towards the end, on closing tracks ‘Burning Up‘ and ‘Price Of A Man‘ The Lip Bombs aren’t afraid to subvert what we know about them, as adept at emotional outpouring than they are at sonic innovation.
It should be to nobody’s surprise that The Belair Lip Bombs hit the home run on ‘Again‘. A vibrant, energetic, follow up record that takes a giant leap forward for the group too big to ignore any longer.
Listen to ‘Again‘ here: