In this in-depth conversation with Australian power-pop pioneers The Wellingtons, we dig into their evolution as a band, the creative process behind their latest material, and how theyâve navigated today’s music world with that signature melodic punch on âBaby Moon.â We talk songwriting, influences, touring life, and what keeps the spark alive after all these years.
I was late to the party, but this Sydney, Australia band signed with Jem Records and made their debut in January. The On and Ons are comprised of keyboardist John Hoey, bassist Clyde Bramley, brother Brian Morris (drums, vocals), and singer-songwriter-guitarist Glenn Morris. Last year, they produced a number of noteworthy EPs, and the album ‘Come On In’ is an excellent compilation of their songs. “Let Ya Hair Down!â was honored by Little Stevenâs Underground Garage as one of the”Coolest Songs In The World,â so I would be remiss if I didnât check out the additional songs on the album.
The album’s opening track, âRoller Coaster,â is very much like a Plimsouls tune with great jangle and echoing harmonies. âBeen Thereâ is pure â60s British Invasion bliss with reverb, and âSunny Jimâ is a dense guitar attack akin to The Guess Who with an Aussie garage vibe. Â Another gem is â(Scare Me) Outta My Mind,â with its wicked solo, and those âooh, oohâ backing harmonies, it has a very Halloween party feel to it. Plenty of good melodies here make this one Highly Recommended.
From Nottingham UK. Richard Snow and The Inlaws are Richard (Snow) Hattersley, Phillip Edmundson and Justin Monkton. Richard started his musical life in a Beatles cover band, and has solo several albums in the recent past and âLook Back in Mangaâ is a new compilation with some recent singles added. Richardâs bright jangle starts us with âEquinox,â a sweet melody that sets a very Beatlesque tone. This continues with the ironic âI Never Liked The Beatlesâ about an old curmudgeon named Ron who hates the Fab Four.
The songs feel like personal experiences, and some work very well (âDouble Actâ and âNot Gonna Take Itâ) and others just arenât as memorable. My favorite on this album is the mid-tempo love song âYou Canât Have It All,â with a great hook and solid vocal performance. This album will be hit-or-miss for most, and thatâs okay. It still is music that deserves to be heard, so check it out.
