New Music Review #18: ‘Something Something Something’ by Kitschen Boy

I live in Fitzroy – the hipster capital of Australia. The baristas wear overalls, nothing matches (on purpose, of course), you rarely go a day without seeing roller blades, and half the shops on Brunswick St stack old records in their front window, no matter what kind of store it ostensibly is.

The point is, I’m no stranger to a bit of needless esotericism. Everything’s a little off kilter, existing in a state of being both overtly welcoming and slightly inaccessible. It’s usually fun, often fascinating, sometimes annoying, but mostly great.

Kitschen Boy feel of that realm.

‘Something Something Something’ is a jangly guitar tune, that moves along a brisk pace and is sure to get you up and grooving. But the combination of gravelly vocals and lyrical impenetrability make it one step removed from the uber-accessible indie rock of, say, Lime Cordiale.

It feels like elevated indie folk – it takes a few listens, but it’ll get you dancing and pondering. The hook is catchy, and the track overall is warm and nostalgic.

It brings to mind the mid-2000s stylings of Maximo Park and Phoenix. You might also get Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever vibes.

It bubble and crackles with life. Enjoy.

And a few others:

‘Glitch' by Parkway Drive: Back with their first new release since 2018, the revered pioneers of Australian metalcore do not disappoint. Parkway Drive are at their face-melting best with this nightmarish new track about the terrors of sleep paralysis. Terrifying, brutal, phenomenal.

‘The Kid’ by Phoebe Go: “Truth is I think you met me at my best…” The solo project of former Snakadaktal member Phoebe Lou is off to a stunning start. ‘The Kid’ is an iridescent, poetic meditation on insecurity, perception and self-doubt. Be prepared to get a little misty eyed.

‘I’m This Far Away (From Being The Worst Person You’ve Ever Met)’ by Private Function:  Most old school hard rock attempts these days sound like bad parodies. But this blistering, growling minute and half from Melbourne punks Private Function is as close as you can come to AC/DC without becoming the butt of your own joke.