Brisbane trio Columbus release debut album Spring Forever through UNFD on August 26. The record is the follow up to 2015’s EP Home Remedy which saw the band break out into the limelight. The power-punk trio came together in school and were completed via a school jazz band (no, really) and we all need to thank that school band for gifting us a very talented trio!
Opening track Summer Dress has a calming beginning before the guitars and drums kick in. The vocals are quite hoarse in parts. Daffodil is the most recent release from the record and kicks in straight away. The vocals are stronger on this track and it has a feel-good melody. Lyrically, the track talks about feeling like you aren’t worthy of someone and that you’re a burden. Raindrop has a heartbreaking video to match the emotive lyrics, detailing how one single event can cause catastrophic realisations.
Learn to Swim has a catchy chorus and lyrically is going to resonate with a lot of listeners. There is good instrumentation. Nervous Wreck is a soft, acoustic track. The vocals on this are very good and fit the track perfectly, showing another dimension to vocalist Alex Moses’ range. Normal service is resumed with the short Hopeless, although by the time you get into it, it’s over, leaving you wanting more. Stay will make a great live track. A prominent drum beat and a great anthemic track with a tight guitar riff. In titular aspects, the following track Absent is the complete opposite, however musical aspects, the track is every bit as good. Closing with the title track Spring Forever, talking about a break up in very clever comparisons to the weather (us Brits are compelled to like this one!) the track is written very well but there is one major problem; it’s the end of the album. So it’s straight back to the beginning to relive this incredible record!
Overall the album is a very strong effort. There are several anthems in waiting and the influence of the likes of The Wonder Years and Turnover is evident. There are simple but effective melodies and the guitar work is intricate. Vocally tight and lyrically deep and relatable.