By Fintan Daly
Two months before they are set to go on a tour across Australia and New Zealand, popular indie band from Cronulla, Lime Cordiale, have released their third studio album, Enough of The Sweet Talk. The new album carries through traces of their older music mixed with a lot of new swagger and funk. It is separated using short 25-second interludes, titled “cue i”, “cue ii”, “cue iii” and “cue iv”. It contains songs varying from melancholic to upbeat and catchy. The new album has illustrated their creativity and versatility as artists, and the talent they bring to the indie music scene.
Expectations were high for this new release and, luckily, brothers Oli and Louis Leimbach have delivered the goods. Enough of the Sweet Talk, groovy and raw, is a masterpiece of low-fi power pop.
The record’s track list kicks off with Pedestal, a textured and varied song that implores head-nodding and foot-tapping. Its bright tunes and ironic lyrics are a brilliant way to lead listeners into the album. Drums and vocals are used cohesively to create a breezy yet catchy tune. Pedestal is one of my favourites from the new record, and from Lime Cordiale’s whole discography.
Next comes The Milkman, a jazzy and melodious track that, although having a good tune, is one of the lesser songs on the release. This is followed by the first cue, and then The Facts of Life. The lead single deserves glowing praise. The slow and soulful song is a fresh yet nostalgic tune.
This is followed by Enough of the Sweet Talk and Happiness Season. The title track is defiant and warm, with the harmonious chorus carrying hints of country and folk. It is definitely my favourite song off the record that wasn’t already released as a single. Happiness Season starts off slow and monotonous, then ascends into a fast and suspenseful chorus, carrying through the song with powerful yet soulful echoes.
Colin comes in next, a nostalgic and easy-going story which takes the listener on a lyrical journey. The melancholic undertones cumulate to a sombre yet upbeat chorus. This is my all-time favourite Lime Cordiale song, which is a strong statement as they are one of my most-loved bands.
After another cue come the songs When I’m Losing It, Imposter Syndrome and The Big Reveal; Ou L’Hypocrite. When I’m Losing It is something of a ballad with metallic and wind sounds. Imposter Syndrome is an immediate juxtaposition, a pop, feel-good song with bright rhythms and exciting notes that come in with clarity and purpose. The Big Reveal; Ou L’Hypocrite starts with a choir of cheerful voices, progressing to a fluid jazzy section which changes in pace, texture and dynamics. This is also one of my favourites on the record.
Following cue iii are the songs Country Club, Cold Treatment and Love is Off the Table. Country Club is a futuristic, experimental and bouncy song with satirical lyrics. Cold Treatment is a fan favourite from the new album. It is one of the better songs and worth listening to. Love is Off the Table starts slow but skips towards a faster and culminates in a repetitive but enjoyable chorus.
The penultimate track is cue iv, which leads into the closing song in Strangers. This is a fitting end to the album as it epitomises the uniqueness and diversity within the record. It swings from breezy and slow to having a strong beat and riff. A great final song on a great album.
If you haven’t yet listened to Lime Cordiale’s new release, you are missing out. A great collection of music which will definitely be one of my favourite albums of the year.