Australia’s indie rock scene continues to produce a staggering number of great bands, and The Belair Lip Bombs are quickly becoming one of its most exciting exports. Signed to Jack White’s Third Man Records, the Melbourne four-piece have delivered Again, a confident and tightly wound second album that captures a band hitting their stride. It is an energetic, emotionally charged collection that celebrates the raw joy of guitar music without ever feeling nostalgic or overly polished.
Opening track “Again and Again” wastes no time in setting the mood. Its fuzzed-out guitars, taut rhythms, and Maisie Everett’s effortlessly assured vocals strike a balance between nonchalance and intensity. Throughout the album, that blend of looseness and precision keeps the listener hooked. Tracks like “Back of My Hand” and “Hey You” showcase the band’s knack for marrying grit with melody. The former builds patiently, layer by layer, while the latter bursts with a jittery, synth-driven pulse that nods to post-punk greats like Gang of Four but feels completely their own.
The Belair Lip Bombs are masters of contrast, moving from wiry tension to cathartic release in the space of a few bars. Their sound draws from a wide palette of influences, from Television and The Rolling Stones to Sonic Youth and The Strokes, yet never settles into imitation. On “If You’ve Got the Time,” the band loosen their grip, flirting with groove-heavy rhythms that give the track a playful swing. “Cinema,” meanwhile, leans into experimentation, layering textures and tones that hint at a future of even bolder sonic exploration.
What makes Again so compelling is its refusal to overcomplicate. The record thrives on simplicity, on chemistry, on the sound of a band locked in together. Each song feels alive and instinctive, built on pure momentum rather than studio perfectionism. Even towards the end, when the energy softens with “Burning Up” and “Price of a Man,” there is an emotional intensity that refuses to fade.
If the album has one flaw, it is that it leaves you wanting more. There’s a clear sense that The Belair Lip Bombs are still only beginning to explore what they can do. But that is part of the thrill. Again is a vibrant, punchy record that bursts with personality, marking The Belair Lip Bombs as one of the most vital bands emerging from the Australian indie scene today.
