Listening to this second release from Melbourne’s Immigrant Union, you’re likely to feel a little nostalgic. Their subdued and incredibly catchy melodies are reminiscent of many great bands from the early ‘00s – which makes sense considering lead singer/ guitarist Brent DeBoer is The Dandy Warhols’ drummer.
Shameless opens with a sweeping guitar twang, while Alison is a boppy ‘90s-inspired indie number. I Can’t Return incorporates some soothing steel guitar licks, but gets a little repetitive, while Wake Up And Cryfeels more uplifting than the lyrics imply. The title track is a little too mellow for its own good, while In Time is almost a perfect country ballad, with layered instrumentals and haunting vocals – it actually sounds a lot like something Chris Isaak would release, but in a good way. Lake Mokoan carries a similar country twang, which is the dominant genre throughout the latter half of the album.
War Is Peace lifts the tempo with a playful clap and chanting vocals and it’s easily the best track on the album. The record then closes with The End Has Come, offering something new with dual male/female vocals – a dynamic that should have been explored further. Astute listeners may even recognise the voice as it’s none other than Courtney Barnett.
Immigrant Union have labelled their sound as psych/ folk/ country, which basically hits the nail on the head. This is the kind of music you can put on in the background and never tire of – the epitome of easy listening.
BY CHRIS BRIGHT
