Log Flume “Go Where The Money Goes”
Log Flume opens ‘Go Where The Money Goes’ with the youthful energy of “Dynamic” and “Far From You,” a rush of buzzing guitars, handclaps, and irresistible melody. It grabs your attention immediately, but the album’s biggest strength reveals itself over time. As the songs unfold, the band settles into a more confident, mature sound without sacrificing the urgency that made them so appealing in the first place.
“Necessary Evil” brings to mind the melodic warmth of Teenage Fanclub, while “Got This Feeling” sparkles with jangling guitars and perfectly placed female backing vocals. “Up By 9 O’Clock” stands out as one of the album’s highlights, built around an infectious riff and a chorus that sticks after the first listen. The title track, “Go Where The Money Goes,” rides a bright, ringing guitar sound that perfectly complements its hook. The jangling “Get The Picture” is another standout, packed with hooks and rewarding repeat listens, while “Every Single Day” closes things on a more reflective note, pairing a moody lyric about songwriting that recalls classic Weezer. Log Flume has found an impressive balance between youthful intensity and seasoned songwriting, and enough variety to reward astute listeners. Highly recommended.
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Belfast “Belfast”
Inspired by the late 1970s DIY noise pop celebrated on the Powerpearls compilations, Belfast delivers a scrappy, hook-filled debut that’s easy to embrace. The project is the work of Joe Quine (Pist Idiots) who wrote and recorded these songs in his Sydney bedroom, giving the album an authentic, homemade spirit. The songs reflect life’s ups and downs, and the opener “Forms From My Dreams” makes the strongest first impression, pairing infectious punk attitude with buzzing guitar riffs that immediately grab your attention. “Spoonful of Your Love” follows with rough-hewn percussion and a ragged melody that feels effortlessly charming.
There are echoes of The Clash, The Saints, and The Velvet Underground throughout, with sharp hooks hiding beneath the distorted guitars, gruff vocals, and loose production. The middle of the album becomes a little repetitive, but the momentum returns with the urgent “Kissing On The Mezzanine” and the layered vocal textures of “You Are Tonight.” This isn’t a polished record, and it isn’t trying to be. Its rough edges are part of the appeal. If you appreciate raw, heartfelt punk pop then this is for you.
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