The Belair Lip Bombs are an indie band from Naarm/Melbourne, led by frontwoman Maisie Everett (vocals, guitar, keys) alongside Mike Bradvica (guitar), Liam De Bruin (drums), and Jimmy Droughton (bass). Over the past few years, they’ve steadily built their presence, performing live across Australia and making appearances at SXSW and BBC 6 Music. These efforts culminated in their signing with Third Man Records, becoming the label’s first Australian act.
Lush Life was initially released last year but has since been reissued by Third Man, building anticipation for a new album expected next year. Lush Life delivers ten introspective tracks that explore personal narratives and the search for meaning and emotional connection. The album offers breezy, energetic indie rock that feels both cool and lively, balancing tension with exhilaration. It captures a fresh, infectious sound that reflects the band’s readiness for bigger things.
The album blends indie rock foundations with dynamic instrumentation, incorporating melodic guitar lines, lively percussion, and intricate harmonies. It balances bright, upbeat rhythms with reflective passages and features occasional post-punk guitar flourishes. Piano and trumpet make subtle appearances, adding texture. While some tracks carry lo-fi charm, the production is crisp and focused, allowing both delicate melodies and vigorous moments to shine.
Some songs on Lush Life trace back to 2021, but the album reflects the band’s creative evolution. Over time, they’ve refined their songwriting by weaving older ideas with newer ones. The result is a fluid, cohesive progression. Compared to earlier releases, Lush Life feels more deliberate in its pacing, with a stronger emphasis on lyrical depth and arrangements that develop organically across the record.
Listeners might draw comparisons to other Australian indie acts like Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever and Floodlights. The album’s spirited delivery and guitar-driven sound also evoke bands such as The Beths, Alvvays, and Porridge Radio. Maisie Everett’s vocal presence carries shades of Debbie Harry, blending the band’s indie-pop charm with elements of pop, new wave, and punk.
“Stay or Go” is a standout sing-along track, showcasing the band’s tight guitar work, rich harmonies, and infectious energy. It explores the tension between stability and change, a recurring theme throughout the album. “Gimme Gimme” delivers a driving rock rhythm paired with playful, spiraling vocals, addressing the longing for emotional connection. Opening the album, “Say My Name” bursts with high-energy indie rock, emphasizing the need for recognition and validation. Meanwhile, “World Is the One” takes a rebellious stance, rejecting societal expectations. The trumpet on “Things That You Did” brings unexpected warmth to a slower, mid-tempo number, revealing a softer side of the band.
The lyrics across Lush Life reflect a journey of self-discovery, touching on themes of longing, identity, and transformation. Rather than offering tidy resolutions, the songs embrace ambiguity, capturing the complexities of personal growth. The recurring theme of a “lush life” adds a poetic thread throughout the album, underscoring the elusive nature of contentment and fulfillment.
Christopher Anthony
For more of Christopher Anthony’s music reviews, check out The Fire Note
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Brilliant Failures (The Black Watch) – music review
- Expert in a Dying Field (The Beths) – music review
- Motel Cable (Ex Pilots) – music review
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