(Independent)

Definitely not semi-nomadic Kenyan tribal peoples

Massai are a Brisbane trio whose debut EP, other than having a title that is the enemy of reviewers with word limits, shows a band of burgeoning promise. Among their influences are Hemingway, Bukowski and Dave Grohl, the latter being a strange choice considering the literary chops of the preceding two. Massai’s debut is sturdy one. Blow Up The Sun is defiant and catchy, featuring a head-nodding rock beat, and interlocking vocal harmonies. Leprechaun Sulphurjet is dirty garage rock tune whose chorus is raw, apathetic and thoroughly enjoyable. However, there is still some craft to be learned – Socialites’ bustling sing-along introduction is undercut by a prosaic verse and it feels like this tune may work better live than on record. The ‘secret track’, a gloriously dreamy rock number allegedly called B.N.E, is the one I enjoy the most, making me wonder why it wasn’t worthy of a more prominent place. Despite some small complaints, Massai are a band to keep an eye on.

DARRAGH MURRAY

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