The Top 25 Albums Of 2021 (So Far): Cool Sounds - 'Bystander'

Melbourne collective Cool Sounds returned earlier this year with their latest album, Bystander, and it was an immediate standout for The Music team. 

The fourth offering from the group - and following on from the recent More To Enjoy and 2018's AIR Award Best Independent Country Album nominated Cactus Country - came about while the band were touring throughout Europe (with early Velvet Underground and David Berman as their van soundtrack). While its lush production and sound will immediately grab you, it's the deeper themes lurking underneath that really draw you in and demand your attention. 

Lead singer and songwriter Dainis Lacey changed his style this time 'round, writing the lyrics before the music for the first time while looking at "Australia’s contemporary social and political climate, and how it resonates through the other places he visits". The changes have paid off too - Bystander is a stirring and mature release. 

From the uplifting, yet sadness tinged, Back To Me to the powerful closer Colours Of Protest (inspired by police brutality shown to student protestors in Hong Kong), Cool Sounds have presented an outstanding listen and one that will stay with you.