Formed in 2007, Sydney’s Straight Arrows have carved out a prominent spot in the Australian indie music landscape. Known for their energetic live shows, they have built a solid discography, including multiple singles, studio albums, and a live LP. Straight Arrows have played alongside The Black Keys, The Buzzcocks, and Thee Oh Sees, and have appeared at festivals like Gonerfest and Dig It Up!
Surface World marks Straight Arrows’ fourth studio album. Recorded live to tape in just two days, the album encapsulates a raw, immediate sound that blends garage and psychedelic rock. The band are also not afraid to include hooks, handclaps, and a retro 60s pop feel in their formula, which keeps Surface World interesting. The album blends both familiar and new elements from Straight Arrows, showcasing their consistent ability to merge diverse influences into a cohesive and dynamic record. The album’s 11 edgy songs, delivered in just 30 minutes, only grow stronger with each track and improve with every spin.
The record is steeped in a blend of reverb-soaked tones and distorted guitar lines. The album draws from an array of genres, from 60s garage rock and psychedelia to 70s punk and power pop, incorporating styles that span decades and resulting in a unique sonic landscape.
Over the years, Straight Arrows have expanded their sonic approach while remaining true to their DIY roots. Surface World sees them further explore co-writing dynamics, adding layers of complexity and experimentation to their established sound, all while maintaining their signature intensity and rawness.
Fans of The Black Lips, Ty Segall, Paul Orwell, Royal Headache, The Safes, and Thee Oh Sees will find Surface World a solid listen, with its shared garage rock, punk, and psychedelic influences.
Notable tracks include “Fast Product,” which kicks off the album with a burst of energy and sets the tone with its driving rhythm and sharp guitar work; “City Ranger,” a gritty, mid-tempo track with layered guitars and a moody atmosphere; “Walkin’ Thru My Mind,” full of swirling reverb and jangly riffs; and “It’s Clear,” an upbeat, handclap-driven track with an infectious retro vibe.
Surface World offers an introspective look at everyday life, with lyrics that oscillate between external observation and internal reflection. The band captures a range of experiences and emotions, making the album both relatable and thought-provoking.
Christopher Anthony
For more of Christopher Anthony’s music reviews, check out The Fire Note
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