- I really enjoy an album that’s a journey and Jumbo Pets, the long awaited debut full-length from Babaganouj feels like the best kind of trip. When you get to the end, you aren’t left wanting more, you feel fulfilled.

Originally formed in 2011, they have a number of EPs under their belt. The Brisbane indie-rock four-piece have created a ‘nineties inspired collection of songs that range between big atmospheric sounds, crunchy indie rock and a sweet hit of pop. One other nuance that makes this album even cooler is that it was recorded initially on a tape recorder and then taken into the studio for completion, so the final result is raw yet mature.

The opening track What Planet Do You Come From is a blend of pop and synth harmonies, and an underlying guitar that brings it together in a way that makes you want to keep listening. There’s a light dreamy quality that makes me think of Crowded House or The Wombats and the lyricism almost leaps over the line into anthem territory, but without ever overdoing things.

Dag, Loveworn and Don’t Wanna Dream Anymore are melancholic and reflective, with a level of maturity that looks at love and life from a new perspective, taking on more of an outsider’s point of view rather than being stuck in the middle all the time.

Stay Up For Me is set to be released as a single. It’s a pop inclusion that highlights the band’s sweet female voices and takes you back to a time when outfits like The Cardigans ruled the airwaves. It’s nostalgic and vibrant with rich melodies and a longing tone that reminds me of high school dances and honestly, I’m here for it.

Taken as a whole, Jumbo Pets is a very pleasant listening experience, its easy going vibe is perfect  for chilling around the campfire with mates. For me the nostalgia hits kept coming and there were some definite moments of reminiscing that made me think of Spiderbait and The Superjesus. This is one album that everyone should at least have one listen to and any child of the ‘nineties will go down the rabbit hole will probably have quite a few.

- Andrea Peirce.