Album Review: Cub Sport - BATS

Cub Sport's lead singer Tim Nelson wastes no time baring his soul on the band's latest release, BATS. "I don't even know what I want out of life, what I'm chasin'," he declares on the opener, Chasin'.

It's a statement at odds with the band's recent trajectory. Only 18 months after the release of This Is Our Vice, the Brisbane quartet seem to have a firm grip on their own destiny, a notion cemented after Nelson took on the production and recording reins on BATS from his own home.

It all makes for a stirring start with R&B and soul influences shining through on Good Guys Go and lead single O Lord. The latter is a near gospel song, Nelson reflecting on the monumental impact his relationship with bandmate Sam Netterfield has had since becoming public knowledge, and is a clear standout in the outfit's catalogue.

But while soft-spoken lyrics and catchy grooves are prominent, the album's focus begins to wane. At times BATS plays to Cub Sport's strengths; Nelson's vocals, emotional honesty and a band capable of building an impressive wall of sound. But too often it strays into pastiche, with that ideal balance something they are still chasing in the end.