Something about Lachlan Buckle reminded me of watching a Grant McLachlan solo video. Lachlan's Brisbane-based band, Seasoning, are not in the league of The Go-Betweens or Grant (who is?), but they make the sort of pleasant indie that seems worthy of some attention. The new Seasoning EP is out today and it's called The Condensation. That title is a bit too clever for my tastes, but luckily the music hits in the right ways.
"Next to Me" opens things up with the sort of lilting pop that's got a hummable tune and a bit of bite to it. The hook is like some Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever stuff, and Buckle wisely keeps things moving in the right direction as the EP progresses. "Change", the standout cut here, is a real gem, one of those numbers where the main riff and melody work in perfect harmony. "There Goes the Day" is a mess of synths, but closer "Friends" is another winner. This one is easy to love, with Buckle not overplaying his hand here, and riding the charms of the song into a bright, summery place. Fans of The Lilac Time, late period Aztec Camera, and, yes, solo Grant McLachlan should find things to please here.
The Condensation by Seasoning is out today.