★★★½
Check the forecast before you give this one a listen, because it’s an EP whose sound is entirely dependent on the weather – it simply doesn’t feel right listening to these songs on a gloomy Sydney day.
Youth Allowance’s self-titled EP emanates some sweet jingdie (jingly indie) rock, reflecting the sunny Brisvegas vibes that influenced the writing of these catchy tunes. There’s much to be said for this style of indie rock going round at the moment, but the Youth Allowance quartet do it well. Lead single ‘Running’ showcases these boys’ ability to write some damn catchy riffs that will lap around your head for days. Other offerings are equally as strong, each with their own hooks that will be sure to lure in thelisteners.
The Queenslanders have made a name for themselves in a very short amount of time after forming in late 2013, having already supported Jeremy Neale and The Lulu Raes around the traps. Keep an ear out for second single ‘Overthinker’ and its dancey guitar riffs in the coming weeks.
Centrelink might do well to consider replacing their on-hold music with tracks from Youth Allowance. I wouldn’t mind listening to this EP for a couple of hours.
Youth Allowance by Youth Allowanceis out independently and available through Bandcamp.
