INDIE ALBUM OF THE WEEK
Behind every boozy has-been, there’s someone who once was – or so we’re lead to believe onJersey Flegg, the debut album from the now-Sydney-based collective You Beauty. Some of the best Australian bands you’ve never heard of run through the pedigree of the group’s members, including Ohana, Hira Hira, Mere Women and Absolute Boys.
It’s interesting, then, that their new project sends them in an entirely new direction from their prior work.
Jersey Flegg delves into post-punk and garage-rock-flavoured jangle-pop, presented in lean cuts and sudden jolts. Atop it is vocalist Will Farrier taking on the life of a ’90s rugby league star, who’s the best player in the game with the hottest girlfriend (Ann-Maree Biggar – remember, from Agro’s Cartoon Connection?). It’s not too long before it’s all down the drain (‘Now Her Skirt’ to ‘Rabbits’), but can our hero get back on the field? You’ll have to find out for yourself – and with a sub-30-minute runtime, surely you’ve nothing to lose.
Whether you know every last rule or couldn’t pick a player out of a line, there’s a lot of fun to be had with Jersey Flegg. Let’s hope the story doesn’t end here.
4/5.
Jersey Fleggis out now through Rice Is Nice.
