The Wellingtons “Baby Moon”
Melbourne’s beloved power poppers The Wellingtons return with ‘Baby Moon’, their first full-length in years, and it’s like they never left. Zac Anthony and Kate Goldby may be older, wiser, and busier with life, but their ear for glossy, sugar-rush melodies remains razor sharp. From the first track, it’s clear they’re still masters of the style—blending crunchy guitars, bright harmonies, and just the right dose of emotional heart. “Always Gonna Be That Girl,” a blast of jangling power chords and buoyant melodies that instantly feel familiar. It’s followed by “She Still Loves Me,” a track that could almost be mistaken for an outtake from Jellyfish’s ‘Spilt Milk.’ Few bands nail that kind of baroque-tinged power pop sheen as convincingly as The Wellingtons.
Kate Goldby takes the spotlight on “The Things I Did Before” and “Not Ready To Give Up” delivering a vocal performance that recalls The Bangles’ shimmering blend of strength and sweetness. Later on, the band turns up the volume with “I Won’t Turn Away,” a denser slice of fuzz-pop where the layered guitars push forward with more urgency. Honestly, not a dud or wasted note here. This is a can’t-miss return from one of Australia’s most consistently delightful bands, and it eassily makes my top ten album list this year. Super Highly Recommended.
Star Collector “Everything Must Go!”
Vancouver’s Star Collector are back to rock your world. Frontman/guitarist Vic Wayne and longtime bandmates Steve Monteith, Tony Kerr, and Adrian Buckley burst out of the gate with the title track, a punchy opener that sets the tone with enthusiasm and grit. Lyrically, the record leans heavily into solitude, nostalgia, and self-reflection — sometimes to the point of repetition — but the band keeps things compelling with good arrangements and a willingness to shift gears. “Shining Example” is closest to their traditional formula, while “Queen Bed” digs deeper, delivering a thought-provoking story about “bed rotting”.
“The Best Thing” stands out with its jangly guitars, handclaps, and undeniable melodic lift — easily the most infectious track here. Another standout “Shakedown The Breakdown” snaps back with crunchy riffs and swagger, channeling a mix of The Who and Joe Walsh. While not every song hits it’s mark, it shows the band is willing to take risks while holding tight to the classic rock influences. Undeniably worthy of your attention, and music that deserves to be heard.
