Album Review: Teenage Joans - 'Taste Of Me'

Teenage Joans ought to take the crown for the coolest people in the local music scene right now. Having already made huge waves on triple j, they’ve certainly proved they're not mucking around. 

The Adelaide duo’s debut EP, Taste Of Me, already has us begging for more. It contains all the perfect methods and madness of an Aussie indie release, while remaining unlike any band before them.

When a song like Ice Cream is released, you think you would be irritated by the band for such a catchy melody but it is far too much fun for that. Instead, you’ll likely be happily bopping around all day thinking about delicious sweet treats. The song’s moody lyrics hit hard alongside punchy punk-pop riffs; it is the perfect opener.

Apple Pie is as addictive as the dessert itself and a song that showcases some of their best work to date. "I forget about the repercussions / I forget I’m gonna leave you running / If only I weren’t so stubborn / I still forget to preheat the oven" sings lead vocalist Cahli Blakers, whose distinctive vocals are emphasised by melancholy tones and gutsy roars.

Blakers scouted out Tahlia Borg after admiring the drummer on socials, and Something About Being Sixteen is more proof that was a fateful and perfect decision. The pair’s instrumental and vocal abilities come together to make punk-pop magic. The emotionally driven song is as cohesive as it is cathartic.

Therapist opens with a riff that is reminiscent to iconic rock band Eels. It’s a grungy, catchy piece that ignites you to jump up and down and has you eager for a live show. The bridge slows the song down and it’s, ironically, therapeutic.

The band are seemingly beyond their teenage years, while still showcasing glorious odes of their youth with references to spelling bees and cheeky lines like “You age like wine / And I still haven’t aged to like wine” in closing track Wine. In their own unique way, the band have a knack of turning simple lyricism into something striking.

The indie pop-punker’s Teenage Joans have released something special with Taste Of Me. While you’ll be eager for more, their five-track debut certainly won’t get tiring. It’s angsty, wholesome, unified and so damn fun.

Find out more about Teenage Joans here.