ALBUM: Broadcast Park ARTIST: Tape/Off
The mysteries of life get a distinctly Aussie thrashing from Brissie indie rockers Tape/Off and their brand new album 'Broadcast Park' - and it's an intelligent, scuzzy blowout.
'DAY IN, DAY OUT' (TAPE/OFF)
Becoming as much of an institution as the landmarks in their beloved hometown, Tape/Off have routinely turned heads and ears since their inception thanks largely to their diverse brand of indie rock, and their stellar stage sharing along the way (with Royal Blood, Kurt Vile, Violent Soho to name but a few). But where some bands in the punk/stoner/garage world falter with their angsty scorn and excessive fuzz-lust, the Tape/Off lads triumph, chalked up to the group's visceral songwriting and sneaky hooks - just some of the secret weapons on display on the group's sophomore album 'Broadcast Park'.
Named for Brisbane's iconic 4ZZZ's broadcast tower atop Mount-Cootha, 'Broadcast Park' kicks off with a confident swing courtesy of 'Ithica Pools', a pumping lo-fi banger that dips into Homer's 'The Odyssey' and captures the unbridled restlessness of longing for somewhere you're not. What follows is a subtle study in displacement and societal conventions and restrictions dressed up in some pretty dang catchy sonic clothes: from snarling, popping anthems ('Day In, Day Out', 'Micronations') to dingy, brooding soundscapes ('Adam Said'), there's a startling insight and unwavering production across the board that unleashes the spitting apathy alongside some straight up catchy and earnest rock.
Marking the first new music in four years from the Brissie quartet, 'Broadcast Park' was certainly worth the wait; it's a tough and tenacious outing that seamlessly balances its scruffy, frayed edges with restless rumination - come for the fuzz, stay for the feels.
'Broadcast Park' officially dropped yesterday, album info and a whole lot more below.
FOR MORE TAPE/OFF INFO, CHECK OUT:
THE TAPE/OFF BOYS ARE ALSO CURRENTLY ON THE ROAD TOURING THEIR BRAND NEW BABY - HIT THEM UP IF YOU'RE IN TOWN:
BY TIANA SPETER