(Below Par/EMI)

Australian rock music is alive and well

I’ve followed Something With Numbers’ career since they were pimply youths making their mark in the pop punk boom of the early part of this millennium. From standard pop-punk band to rock outfit, with each album they have reinterpreted their sound and progressed as musicians without straying too far from their signature blueprint. Something With Numbers are not afraid of where their talent can take them and seem comfortable in their own skin, especially when moving into unfamiliar territory. Choosing to rely on emotion and well crafted songwriting rather than just the heavy riffing and blistering rhythms they’re known for is a godsend, as it gives an intimate vulnerability to the songs on offer. We’ll Fight and Diamonds are beautiful ballads with a lot to offer melodically, the former featuring a luscious horn solo courtesy of The Dap Kings. On the other spectrum, This Will Be The Last Time and Seventeen Places showcase the SWN we know and love, only honed to perfection. Quiet closer I’ll Be There features vocalist Jake Grigg, a piano, and a whole lot of emotion; and lead single Stay With Me Bright Eyes is a hands down contender for song of the year. Engineering The Soul is evidence that SWN have the capabilities as songwriters to break their musical boundaries. It’s an album that they can truly be proud of.

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LINDSEY CUTHBERTSON

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