The Belair Lip Bombs are making waves in the indie rock scene with the release of their new album, ‘Again’. The Melbourne-based band, known for their catchy hooks and streamlined production, has been gaining significant attention, becoming the first Australian act to sign with Jack White‘s Third Man Records. Their approach to music is refreshingly straightforward, focusing on solid arrangements and a sound that resonates with audiences.
With a distinctive style that combines dry, motorik drums with dusty guitar riffs and occasional unexpected elements, such as an Irish fiddle, the band’s music is both accessible and engaging. Their latest single, ‘Hey You’, showcases their aesthetic, featuring a rooftop performance where guitarist Mike Bradvica embodies classic rock coolness. The band’s ability to merge traditional rock elements with modern sensibilities has positioned them as a standout in Melbourne’s vibrant indie music scene.
From Frankston to the World Stage
Growing up in Frankston, a suburb with a coastal vibe, Bradvica and vocalist/guitarist Maisie Everett formed the band shortly after graduating from secondary school in 2017. They credit their early development to the local DIY space, Singing Bird Studio, where they wrote and recorded their initial material. “For the first five or six years, that was our home base,” Everett reflects. “It’s a place for people who are under 18 to be able to start bands and meet others who are into music.”
The band released their self-titled EP in 2018, followed by ‘Songs To Do Your Laundry To’ in 2019. Their trajectory shifted dramatically with the release of their debut album, ‘Lush Life’, in 2023, which garnered positive reviews and helped them gain confidence in their craft. Everett notes, “People really liked it, and that gave us the confidence to take it a bit more seriously.”
Now, with their upcoming album ‘Again’, the band has approached songwriting with a more focused identity. “We can definitely do better than this, let’s keep chipping away at it,” Everett states, highlighting the difference in their creative process now that they have a label backing.
Crafting Catchy Hooks and Engaging Live Performances
The new album features tracks that channel the essence of classic rock while maintaining a contemporary edge. Songs like ‘Again And Again’ and ‘If You’ve Got The Time’ draw influences from iconic bands, yet the Belair Lip Bombs manage to create a sound that feels fresh and exciting. Everett emphasizes their collaborative writing process: “We write all of our songs together as a band in a room, feeding off each other’s energies.”
Bradvica adds, “The rock music I grew up on is just like, one guitar and it sounds like five.” This philosophy of simplicity and clarity is evident throughout their music, with a commitment to crafting memorable hooks. He critiques the current music landscape, stating, “Especially guitar bands that do pop nowadays, it’s so boring.”
The band has also been expanding their audience through tours, recently completing their first full tour of the United States as support for fellow Australians Spacey Jane. They have discovered that even unexpected locations can yield enthusiastic responses from audiences. Everett recalls a particularly surprising experience in Portland, Oregon: “For whatever reason, the audience was really into it.”
As the Belair Lip Bombs prepare for extensive tours in the UK, Europe, and North America, they remain focused on their craft. With aspirations to continue creating music that resonates with their fans, they are determined to keep the momentum going. “Hopefully the album is well-received and it allows us to be able to tour more and go overseas again,” Everett shares, hinting at a future filled with new music and live performances.
With their combination of talent, ambition, and authenticity, the Belair Lip Bombs are well on their way to leaving a significant mark on the global music scene. Their new album, ‘Again’, is now available via Third Man Records.
