Goth as we know it came from the punk scene. So here is some dark moody punk from Australia. They are big on the tension and the vocals are more punk, though not yelled in the typical fashion. The first song does pick up the pace as they are prone to step on the gas. One of the things this album is mad about is how Sydney wants to be America which has turned it into a shit hole. This perspective is interesting "Room With the Mirror' does not reflect this as it seems more self-deprecating, but "Ants' certainly does offer this social commentary, Which I am fine with not really into political punk unless it's just focused on anarchy. It's also a really well-written song which helps. There are some early Cure-sounding guitar melodies in the mix.
"Attention to Detail' is punk coming from a more Joy Division-like place. They are lamenting the state of things and getting more into specifics, but the tension-building works well enough to balance out the lyrics. It wanders off following the bass line into the ambiance which is an odd place for it to go. The way they let the backbone of the bass charge in to establish a stark groove is more post-punk than not. The space they create with "Lifestyle Damages' also fits this bill. In fact, they do these things in a pretty impressive manner. The vocals are capable of holding a melody or spitting the lyrics out with defiance.
"Pills" keeps their frantic burst of downtrodden obsessing in motion. The guitars know when to sit back and let things simmer which gives these guys the edge over most punk. The vocals keep the chanted hooks coming. "Connect' is another with more of a Joy Division edge. It is not as dynamic as some of the other songs though the chorus works well and it's a little darker. The last song summons a stormy gray sonic charge. They pick up the pace but do not discard what has been working for them up to this point, This is another strong punk album that leans in the post-punk direction. It seems this sort of thing is not coming from America these days. Great songwriting.
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