Review: Pacific Avenue’s EP Strawberry Skies is Dreamy Surf-Rock for the Ages
As Kiama locals, four-piece surf rock legends, Pacific Avenue understand regional Australia’s pain when it comes to live gigs.
“Canberra is NOT REGIONAL!” they used to exclaim in frustration when their favourite bands would announce a tour. (Well, we imagine they did, anyway).
But never fear! When they reached the big time Pacific Avenue said to their booking agents, “Regional tour? We’ll show you regional!” And have announced a massive run of dates, including Berry, Ulladulla, Woollongong, their hometown of Kiama, plus all the big cities.
Alongside this announce, the boys have dropped their anticipated and exhilarating new EP “Strawberry Skies”, an awe-inspiring collection of six tracks unique from each other; infused with gritty guitar, captivating hooks, and an overall polished sound - resemblant to one of a Brian Eno-produced standard. This EP exudes enormous amounts of edginess, paying homage to the grittiness of nineties Britpop, while simultaneously producing a refreshing new take on the genre.
“Strawberry Skies is a collection of songs inspired by events and milestones in our lives over the past 2 years. We are so stoked to finally share our debut EP with you all, and we hope that it takes you on a similar journey to the one we have experienced as a band” - Pacific Avenue
“Strawberry Skies” is introduced with a prelude building up to its preceding track titled “You” - released as a single in April earlier this year - and sets the tone for the rest of the EP’s instalments. Infused with dreamy psychedelic rock elements, the vigorous segway into “You” is exceptionally unique to conventional alternative rock tracks produced in the past. The structure of “You” exemplifies what constitutes for a successful track to engage listeners from all walks of life, in conjunction with its insanely catchy lyrics. The band’s 2018 hit single “Excuse Me” features as an accompaniment to the track listing. Currently boasting over 100,000 plays on Spotify, this track is an experience to be had from beginning to end; its infectious melodies, subtle breakdown leading into an engaging hook, and exhilarating beats produce feelings of pure ecstasy and the desire to rock-out. Objectively the most distinguishable track on this record, “Someday Soon”, upon first listen could be mistaken for an unreleased Oasis number. Though it is undeniably less edgy and gritty in contrast to their previous tunes, a greater depth to their sound is crafted to showcase their range and potential to explore different genres. “Give Me a Call” and “Something Good” conclude the EP exuding the band’s surf rock influences immensely; full of catchy, strong driving hooks, both tracks have outstanding radio-friendly qualities.
Overall, “Strawberry Skies” is an exceptionally polished and slickly produced EP that takes classic rock tones and gives them a modern twist. Every song is uniquely different and distinguishable, though some elements are yet to mature; considering their youth, they will flourish as they grow not only as a band, but as individual musicians. The guys play with the authority of musicians twice their age, and somehow can’t escape the echoes of the Gallagher brothers - not only in their vocal tamber and melodies, but also in the underlying harmonies. “Strawberry Skies” makes you want to air-punch at an outdoor rock concert and scream their lyrics at the top of your lungs.
Since 2017, Pacific Avenue, have been incorporating authentic rock & roll with today’s modern sounds, and reached #1 on Triple J Unearthed in early May, landing the boys a slot on 2017’s Sounds of the Suburbs festival line up in Cronulla. The group boasts over 100,000 Spotify streams for their 2018 single “Sally” and almost 43,000 on “Girlfriend” released that same year. Dave Ruby Howe of Triple J Unearthed has sung his praise for the group, saying "This band continues to grow into their ambitions. This latest track curls around until it's all spring loaded rock goodness". Pacific Avenue have found themselves supporting artists such as Ocean Alley, Tash Sultana, The Wombats, Skegss, Thelma Plum, Crooked Colours, British India, and San Cisco, to name a few. The band finished the year off by playing at Jindabyne's Snowtunes Festival and the Lost Paradise over the new year.
“Strawberry Skies” is available on all platforms now.
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Written by Sophia Palagas
