There’s been a lack of tightly-wound, shiny indie-rock in the Melbourne music scene over the past year or so.
It’s not necessarily a bad thing – it feels a little like we’ve been there, done that – but local four-piece Neighbourhood Youth are giving it another crack and doing a nice job, too.
After gaining substantial airplay on Triple J Unearthed with their single “Stone” last year, the group rounded out 2012 with the release of their five-track EP, Holiday, a collection of polished, sunny tunes.
Backed by smatterings of calypso, the record is at times reminiscent of Vampire Weekend, but with a sensitive side.
The difference is in the vocals, with frontman John Philip’s rich voice adding sincerity and depth to each track. The title track is certainly a standout, a sparkling summer jam that epitomises the band’s sound at its most energetic.
Anthemic single “Half A Man” is familiar and yet intriguing, with the chorus providing a reprieve from the rolling melodies that fill out the EP. It’s the kind of song you want to play loudly as you drive up the coast lamenting lost love and cursing your inadequacies.
Overall Holiday is a comfortable listen – there are some shining moments but not a whole lot of surprises. Like your favourite pub, it’s enjoyable, familiar and warm, and best experienced with a beer in hand.
