Album Review: San Cisco - San Cisco

As the dark, synthy electronics wash in to Beach, opening San Cisco's self-titled debut album, you immediately realise these aren't the same infinitely smiling kids you've hummed along to with past hits Golden Revolver and Awkward. Considering the foursome has spent the past year or so touring internationally, playing showcases like CMJ, being signed by Albert Productions and Fat Possum Records/RCA/Columbia Records, setting up their own label, scoring seventh place in the triple j Hottest 100 and various other experiences that have seen them taking their music more seriously than ever, it's not surprising their sound has matured.

Watched over by drummer/vocalist Scarlett Stevens' father Phil (Jarrah Records, John Butler, The Waifs, Little Birdy), San Cisco have surrounded themselves with enough industry stalwarts to warn them of the dangers of being pigeonholed, and to help instil a heap of relevant knowledge and skills. Yet even with industrial cotton wool to protect and nurture their obvious talents, any album met with high expectations is going to have to do a lot to defy the tall poppy whipper-snippers, no matter the status of the act. Good news is this delivers on the hype, and then some.

From the more downbeat and darker tracks like Beach, Mission Failed and recent single/ear-worm Wild Things, to the familiar, upbeat, whistle-worthy standout Cisco-pop of Fred Astaire, No Friends, Lyall and Stella, vox gem Jordi Davieson and his cohort's superbly catchy album is stacked with more diverse treats than a lolly shop. Sure, some of the lyrics might be a little immature, but this album is impressive enough to make most Australian indie-pop artists over the age of 25 deserve to feel embarrassed.