Album Review: TV Snow - Red

Perth-originating indie rockers TV Snow release their debut record after considerable trouble for a young group. Losing their bass player to a shark attack would colour the tone of any record, especially a half-recorded debut. So it is with that weight that Red is released.

Opening song, Call To The Siren, can't help but feel like a love paean to their lost friend, whether it is or not, and as a framing device for the record, it is very suitable. The radio-friendly pop rock guitars and airy, harmonised vocals ease the listener into a very easy-listening record.

The album does pick up from its outset though. Tragedy aside, the band can't help but let their fun and feelgood indie pop seep through the cracks of the record. Downtown and Death And Blues both pop and groove like quintessential mid-2000s twee rock.

It's a little disappointing, perhaps, that the band don't push any of their approaches as far as they could. They showcase perfectly adequate so-called 'indie landfill' pop rock across minor and major songs, dancing across the contemplative and the feelgood, never quite reaching the heights of either mood. Indie fans (are people still referring to themselves as such?) will find things to love here, especially considering this is an Aussie debut from a young bunch of lads, but repeat listens only solidify the 'perfectly okay' tone the record carries throughout.

TV Snow may become Australian indie rock stalwarts someday; they certainly know how to write a catchy song. But that day is not today.