Album Review: The Stress Of Leisure - Cassowary

It's downright ludicrous that Brisbane four-piece The Stress Of Leisure aren't on the tips of everyone's tongues right now, especially given the indie-popsters have been gracing us with their presence for eight years, albeit with a rotating lineup. Even more mindboggling is that Cassowary is their fourth album to date. Hooking in early to a vibrant and playful sound tinged with post-punk attitude shows that these two guys and two girls have that knack for staying one step ahead of a pack of peers who've only cottoned on recently. Sure, there are some clear influences imbibed here but there's also much to love, and love you will.

Inherent in all tracks is Ian Powne's huffy, exasperated delivery, drawling somewhere in a realm housing Robert Smith and Kevin Rowland. Opener, Tropical And Ice, ensures we're in for a sultry ride and good loose times, with twangy guitar lines, shimmering effects and a sparse, laidback beat. Even with that carefree pace continuing throughout, Powne still manages to up the ante to deadpan a bit of attitude into the upbeat tracks, sounding like he's just tipping the balance into manic mode in Hot Fire! and Tropic Of Capricorn. Elsewhere, lush distorted guitars stalk hazy then clear-cut synth bursts, all underlined by a sweet high octave bass, particularly fine on the dancefloor-flavoured Work It Out.

Ultimately, there's just too much fun to be had by the time the clock stops ticking over. Sex Time and Sex On The Beach provide a glimpse into the humour running rife in this troupe, plus their ability to write a catchy tune. Brisbane, jump on board with your brethren.