“I haven’t changed my sheets since the day you left me…” – we’re hooked from the opening title track’s bereft (and potentially gross?) first line, proclaimed with gusto over pensive strumming.
Simultaneous vocals, harmonised by singer-bassist Charlie Versegi and singer-guitarist Hayley Manwaring, are Moaning Lisa’s textural signature. We’re also tipping this Melbourne-via-Canberra quartet has The Breeders on high rotation.
“Pettiness, insecurity, indie sleaze and getting into a fight with transphobic security guard…” – Moaning Lisa shared this enlightening “mood board” for their latest single 4am (where have you been?) – a paranoid snapshot featuring pensive melodies, feverish riffs and tempestuous drums – on Insta.
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Wayside celebrates soulmate relationships: when mutual unconditional love activates a permanent safety net, both parties can freely fly their freak flags or just feel comfy in each other’s company (“I like you best when we sit in silence”).
Guitarist Ellen Chan’s striking riffs ring out like sirens, adding urgency to the self-explanatory getting over you is on my list of things to do (but not on the top). This highlight boasts full-throttle, getaway-car energy and a catchy, “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6th on my list…” refrain that tracks disengagement.
Elsewhere, anything, anyone unpacks the burden of people-pleasing (“Nah, you don’t have to prove anything to anyone”) while agoraphobia wallows in uncertainty: “I’m scared/ I’m trying/ I’m scared of trying…”
This band’s form of creative expression is wild and unbridled. Lest we forget how fragile we are, Moaning Lisa unleashes emotional complexity all over fainter.
LABEL: FARMER & THE OWL
RELEASE: OUT NOW
