If you’ve ever wanted to catch a band at that magical moment just before they breakthrough to the mainstream, there’s never been a better opportunity than with Australian pop-punks Between You & Me. Having just completed their debut UK headline tour, the band are about to do the same in the USA, and with a new six-track EP primed for release it feels as if this Melbourne quintet are standing on the cusp of greatness, as even a cursory listen sophomore EP Sh!t Yeah will confirm.
There’s no doubt that life is hard for most of the planet at present with war, pestilence and famine reigning supreme, but fear not because Between You & Me are here and lightening the mood somewhat with their buoyant brand of pop-punk. That the band have an undeniable effervescence becomes immediately apparent on opening track ‘Kill My Vibe’, a song that bounces like a pinball between the bumpers. The fusion of sober lyrics to a jaunty beat is an old trick, yet it’s rarely been performed with the same chutzpah as Between You & Me display here. It’s a song tailor made for the live environment and you can almost see the beaming smiles and fists pumping the air; but it’ll work equally well on your stereo and will soon have you diving off your sofa and starting a pit in your living room.
There’s something very sticky (like, fly paper sticky) about the six cuts that comprise Sh!t Yeah which renders them extreme earworm material. One spin of ‘Super Good’ will have it embedded in your cranium; there’s a strong focus on melody and song structure here that’ll turn your memory bank into a dance floor with the band performing all sorts of neat steps. However, if “melody” is a dirty word then have no fear because there’s always a rough hewn edge to ensure that things don’t become too polished. It’s a fine line to walk, yet it’s one Between You & Me traverse, a perfect example of funambulism, and it’s excitement comes from keeping the listener balanced during eighteen raucous minutes.
The only real complaint with this release is that it’s just too darn short, but true to the old adage, it certainly leaves the listener hungry for more. Having released two full-length albums, and now two EP’s, you get the feeling that now is time for Between You & Me to shine…and Sh!t Yeah burns brightly.
- Sh!t Yeah is self-released on 5th April 2024.
- Official Website
Track List:
- Kill My Vibe
- In The Middle
- Nevermind
- Super Good
- Yeah
- Virus
