Art, eh? We’re taught to value the highbrow stuff hanging in a dusty frame in the NGV, but what about lowbrow art? It doesn’t command the same kind of cultural cred, but it can be just the thing to brighten up your tragedy-clogged newsfeed. Take Melbourne’s The Stiffys for instance – these guys aren’t going to nab an AMP award any time soon, but their latest EP, Art Rock One, may put a smile on your dial with its juvenile antics at the very least.
The first of two EPs that will make up the band’s Art Rock record, Art Rock One delivers exactly what you’d expect from The Stiffys: six poppy garage rock jams centred around goofy lyrics that delve into everything from eating Dunk-a-roos (remember those?) to sloppy make out sessions. It’s not the most intellectually stimulating stuff, but it’s not trying to be either. The Stiffys are class clowns stuffing things down their pants in the hopes of getting a throwaway laugh. At their best, they manage to marry Tripod’s satirical wit with the weed-scented frivolity of Dune Rats (King of the Internet). But too often the naff gags fall flat (Space Blog) or contain nothing but forgettable one-liners (Genuine Recording of Ladies Loving Us).
The Stiffys are great after downing a few beers, but sober up and listen to this EP and you’re faced with two grown men making dick jokes and singing about eating children’s snacks. Sure, it’s supposed to be quirky and tongue-in-cheek but the whole thing just comes off a bit soft.
BY JACK PILVEN
