- “It’s Friday night and I feel like dying” was the rather ironic introduction we got to the debut album of Sydney band Flowertruck when they released the delightfully dramatic track Dying To Hear early last year. I call this line, and much of the fear and uncertainty that is expressed in that single, “ironic” because Flowertruck are so earnestly charming and it is near-impossible to listen to them without smiling.
Their eccentric frontman Charles Rushforth takes clear influence from David Byrne, and the group aren’t dissimilar to indie pop legends The Go-Betweens. Flowertruck’s brand of music is an intriguing post-punk and jangle pop hybrid, and while the band wears its influences on its sleeves, it remains unquestionably unique. Fans first became acquainted with their style in 2015 when they released their debut EP DIRT. Since the release of that project, Flowertruck have been making their way up-and-down the East Coast, building a strong following that has been hankering for a debut album from the group.
That debut album is now here, and on Mostly Sunny, Flowertruck do not disappoint. The album refines their distinctive sound in such a way that allows the band to appear more emotionally poignant. Perhaps the most impressive thing about Mostly Sunny though is that it features clear standout moments from each band member.
Charles Rushforth displays a real conviction and sincerity in his vocal delivery, particularly on sadder cuts like All My Girlfriends Are Zeppelins and Rain. Crestfallen, he clamours: “Nothing new to my name, melancholies to blame / Sick of love and love sick’s just the same.” The chanted hook on Falling Away and the group chant breakdown on Come Across are certainly welcomed too.
Guitarist Hamish Dobinson’s performances give tracks Comfort and Komichi fresh and unique sounds, while drummer Will Blackburn’s creates a pulsating urgency on Falling Asleep and New Is The Saddest Word. Then you have Sarah Sykes who is in fine form on keys. The album’s two singles Enough For Now and Come Across feature infectious, shimmering keyboard hooks, but it is her grand piano performance on Dying To Hear that is most impressive. Dying To Hear has also become something of a quintessential Flowertruck song, and it really displays the chemistry that they have built as a band.
In the build-up to Mostly Sunny, Flowertruck continued to mould and develop their sound, and the end product is a project that is undeniably unique, expressive and amiable. Despite showing clear maturation, the band thankfully remains true to the sun-drenched melodies that made them so likeable in the first place. Nostalgic yet innovative all-the-same, Flowertruck’s debut album is a truly exciting release, and one not to be missed.
- Jack Jones.