If you have ever been to Fremantle, Western Australia (near Perth), the one thing that will scorch your memory for the rest of your days is that it is hot. so very hot. As such, the inhabitants tend to do things at a pace that accommodates the climate and enables them to enjoy it.

Essentially this Spice World debut album reflects such a necessity. What A Pity What A Shame, Trouble, Mountain Pony 20 and Snake Oil have a Skink Tank in first gear essence that appeals due to an informality that just feels like a chat with friends over a few cold ones. Drizzled in occasional energy but more specifically content to let a languid DIY, ramshackle perfection guide proceedings towards a general sense of slacker economics, these tracks somehow ooze a ‘it will come right’ attitude.

Of course, such a tempo cannot continue without actually avoiding stopping, and as such, Useless Feeling, Friend of Mine, and Dying to Go almost reluctantly sidle towards something resembling a midtempo as strains of twang and jangled riffs join the gloriously deadpan and slightly disinterested vocal delivery that is so reminiscent of Go Get Mum, Dick Diver, House Deposit, and a whole host of other Aussie acts.

Eventually the midtempo sound barrier is breached, and in doing so, the very best of an excellent release is revealed. Decorated Boy Scout and Time Time Time Turn Around take on The Woodentops and The Feelies‘ incessant whirr and thrum to add slight edges of anxiety to an overwhelmingly relaxed vibe.

Out today, this is worth spending your last few post-Christmas shekels on before payday. After all, who needs milk, bread, and other silly essentials when great music is around?

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