Album Review: Greenthief - Mirror Lies

Melbourne's Greenthief have pulled off something rather special with their newie Mirror Lies; they have taken a sharp turn to the left, stylistically, while still managing to sound exactly and precisely like themselves.

The freaked-out psychedelic tones of previous releases have been pushed somewhat into the background, although not completely snuffed out, and more of a sassy, up-tempo indie-rock vibe has been brought to the fore. And it works a treat.

Opening with the propulsive Simple Drug, Mirror Lies is ten tracks of snaky, groovy alt-rock that get stuck in your head and regularly puts one in mind of a band like Jane's Addiction, if Perry Farrell's old mob were stoned around the clock. The production still echoes that late '60s psychedelic period, but everything is delivered with a little more straightforward oomph. They are walking a fine line between the old and the brand new with skill and aplomb.

By the time the tension-filled strains of strange but compelling closer Reckless Dance have faded away, you will have found that you have had yourself an intense 35-minute eargasm and are ready for another round of the 'Thief.