<p><span><span>- After a number of outrageously catchy singles, Brisbane’s surf rock swooners The Double Happiness have finally unleashed their debut album. Its title, <em>Surfgazing</em>, could be interpreted as both a rough description of the music found within as well as a knowing, tongue-in-cheek nod to the ever expanding world of micro-genres. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Luckily, The Double Happiness’ music has a lightness of touch and elegance that lifts it well above the need to pigeonhole. The songs blend twanging guitars, post-punk bass lines, atmospheric haze and great use of both male and female vocals which bring a tasty <strong>Nancy and Lee</strong> vibe to proceedings. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Band members <strong>Meg</strong> and <strong>Simon Welchman</strong> and <strong>Kristin</strong> and <strong>Peter Fergusson</strong> grab our attention straight out of the gate with the gorgeous opener <em>Red Beach</em>, a jangle pop confection which would be perfect for your next coastal drive. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>The whole record brims with aquatic-themed songs that makes it resemble both a kooky nautical concept album and an alternative garage rock soundtrack to <em>Puberty Blues</em>, <strong>Nell Schofield</strong> edition.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>The album achieves one of my favourite things in music, which is to sound garagey and DIY, but also lush and dreamy, all in one go. Check the warm “room-sounding” drums and hypnotic <strong>Joy Division</strong>-meets-<strong>Dick Dale</strong> twang of <em>Finish</em> for evidence. The perilous ocean is honoured in the dangerous tale of <em>Snapper Rocks</em>, backed with those perfectly-picked surf guitars. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>There is also a warm, slightly melancholic, feeling of nostalgia to be found on <em>Surfgazing</em>, such as the stunning single, and possibly their finest song to date, <em>Oysters Can Dream</em> which boasts a chorus that is equal parts catchy and mournful. Quite an achievement. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>While this wistfulness is a common thread throughout the album, it goes a bit bananas in parts too, such as the <strong>B-52s</strong> shimmy of <em>Wild Bikini</em>. <em>Spooki Tiki</em>, meanwhile, could be the soundtrack to a B-grade beach resort slasher movie, complete with scream queen exclamations and wild Theremin sounds. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>From evocative surfer jams to wild rock and roll to shimmering indie pop, <em>Surfgazing</em> is a thoroughly enjoyable and diverse-yet-cohesive collection of tunes. A real treat.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>- Matt Thrower.</span></span></p>
<iframe style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=969279386/size=large/bgcol=ff…; seamless><a href="https://4000records.bandcamp.com/album/surfgazing">Surfgazing by The Double Happiness</a></iframe>