☆☆☆☆
Image: Tristan McKenzie.
Perth’s Psychedelic Porn Crumpets fourth studio album SHYGA! The Sunlight Mound is a carefully curated narrative of psych-rock that delves deeper into the sounds presented on their previous releases. There is a refinement to the records production, providing a more dynamic quality that is still laced with the frantic and energetic sounds that are a staple within the bands music.
Setting the scene, the records opener Big Dijon is a preemptive moment of contemplation, before diving headfirst into the raucous body of work that is to follow with Tally Ho. The latter brings a sense of 70’s Brit rock, with subtle nods to The Beatles, whilst encapsulating the sporadic and impulsive conversations that can be had late night after a few drinks.
The albums first half is mostly comprised of previously released singles, including Mr Prism and The Terrors, with a couple of new tracks sprinkled throughout. Sawtooth Monkfish is a standout moment on the release, again implementing moments of 70’s rock and punk within their distorted brand of psychedelia.
Moving onto the records second half, the fun continues with more heavy guitar fizz and dense bass riffs. Hats Off To The Green Bins is an ode to that last minute clean before the landlord drops by, whilst Glitter Bugs brings Queen vibes, as does Mango Terrarium. The couplet of tracks are the perfect blend of psych-pop-rock, with hazy vocals set atop enchanting melodies.
Mundungus Final 24 is set alight with a blazing guitar riff and a killer distorted vocal performance from frontman Jack McEwan. That guitar riff will be stuck in your head all day long! The record ends with The Tally of Gurney Gridman, kicking off as a heavy track before transitioning into more stripped down 60’s approach to psych-rock, creating a wholesome and atmospheric end to the record.
SHYGA! The Sunlight Mound is laced with influences ranging from The Beatles, to Kings Of Leon, to Nirvana, but is still authentically Psychedelic Porn Crumpets. The band nestle deeper into their signature sound, whilst also pushing its boundaries and creating a more defined sense of control, albeit within an erratic soundscape.
4/5
SHYGA! The Sunlight Mound is out now!
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