While still relatively new on the Australian music scene, the group have constructed a steady, satisfying record that speaks of experience far beyond their years.
The second studio release by Ball Park Music, Museum, is an impressive collection of catchy indie-rock songs with a perfect balance of infectious choruses, complex guitar melodies and heavy drum beats, making it an incredibly accomplished album. The record opens with Fence Sitter, whose catchy electronic introduction and clear, smooth vocals establish the group's competence from the outset. Surrender introduces a heavy, slow drum beat and a very different vocal feel, with incredible breadth of vocal tone making the track particularly intriguing.
Coming Down is one of the record's standouts, with a slow, sombre piano melody and catchy lyricism. The group's sound does feel slightly generic, however, in Bad Taste Blues (Part I) and Bad Taste Blues (Part II), both of which feature heavy, more confused guitar lines and less impressive vocal and lyrical content. The band's ability to create incredibly sophisticated instrumental textures is showcased in Cry With One Eye, which opens with a very melancholy melody and becomes more fast-paced and upbeat towards the end, all combined with clean, steady vocals. Great Display Of Patience is simpler and more formulaic than many of the other songs on the album, with fast drums and a catchy chorus, but is effective nonetheless.
Harbour Of Lame Ducks is one of the more complex songs on the album, with slow guitar melodies and an impressive vocal range. The record closes with What's On Your Mind, whose short but captivating introduction, catchy chorus and smooth female vocals to finish make it a perfect way to close the album and keep listeners wanting more. While still relatively new on the Australian music scene, the group have constructed a steady, satisfying record that speaks of experience far beyond their years.