Since their debut EP Wett Weather in 2017, Teenage Dads have been captivating audiences far and wide. Their 2018 debut album, Potpourri Lake, quickly established the Victorian quartet as a force to be reckoned with, delivering an iconic sound that truly sets them apart in the indie music scene. Not ones to rest on their laurels though, Teenage Dads are following up their recent 2023 EP Midnight Driving with their highly anticipated sophomore album MajorDomo, set to release this Friday.
Over the years, the band has become synonymous with crafting music that defies convention, and with MajorDomo, that trend not only continues but reaches new heights. Drawing from a potent mix of influences, creativity, and impeccable songcraft, Teenage Dads deliver an album that is as adventurous as it is polished. Their playful, exploratory spirit is evident in every track, proving that what came before was certainly no fluke.
The album kicks off with the overhead announcement from an airplane leading into “Boarding Pass,” a punchy, thumping, and irresistibly catchy opening track. The upbeat, bouncy indie rock sound hits hard and fast, while the song delves into the inevitability of death, exploring the existential dread and acceptance of someone on a flight plummeting towards the earth. In parts the song evokes a touch of Talking Heads, while the use of announcement dings throughout adds a creative layer and attention to detail that earns a grin from me.
“Time to Go” follows with its stuttering vocoder-esque effects and upbeat, ska-tinged rhythm that feels beachy and care free. The line “I don’t believe it’s time to go, listening on the radio” proves to be incredibly catchy, ensuring the chorus sticks in your head. The song wrings out a subtle mixture of nostalgia and inevitability, which suits well to the song’s themes of being stuck in a cyclical experience but feeling powerless to change it. Sprinkling some dreamy synth and keyboards, this one is an immediate favourite.
Next up is “Speedracer,” a funky, surreal blend of chorusy guitars, thumping bass, and an array of playful sound effects that could have been plucked straight from a Casio keyboard. At first listen, the song might strike some as unconventional, with its eclectic mix of sounds and textures, but this is what makes it so effective. Mirroring the breathless excitement of being in love, it’s hard not to get swept up in its infectious energy. The track captures the exhilaration and whimsy of love, aptly reflected in its title. The line “you’re my Speedracer” serves as a perfect metaphor for the person who sends your heart racing at a thousand miles an hour, a playful nod to the classic 1967 cartoon. This is a track that celebrates the silliness and joy of infatuation with a sound that’s a colourful whirlwind leaving you grinning from ear to ear, and I absolutely love it.
Following on its heels is “I Like It,” a track that’s bound to win you over, no matter how hard you try to resist. This song is a perfect showcase of Teenage Dads’ collective talent, where each member’s contribution shines brightly. Angus Christie’s bass runs lay down a groove that anchors the track, while guitarist Connor McLaughlin adds depth with well-placed reverses and thudding guitars that give the song its punch. Jordan Finlay’s low-pitched vocal performance is both comedic and endearing, delivering the playful lyrics with a charisma that’s hard to ignore while drummer Vincent Kinna ties it all together, driving the track forward with his steady, infectious rhythm. The line, “She got a low-speed rifle, with a hand on the Bible, yeah she’s dangerous, I like it!” is delivered with such flair that its worth the price of admission alone. Undeniable in its charm, even the most hardened curmudgeon would be hard-pressed to resist this one.
“Spiders” follows offering a bright and punchy shift, bringing the guitars and drums to the forefront. Beneath the childlike, pouty styled delivery of lines like “spiders in my head, haunt me all night,” accompanied by interludes of flute solos, lies a deeper exploration of childhood traumas and the process of confronting those fears as an adult. The track’s crescendo, featuring spiralling keys that evoke a 70s Kung Fu movie soundtrack mixed with the sound of a Fender Jaguar merging in a vortex, is nothing short of spectacular with kudos to the production and mixing.
“Moon” is next with a more straightforward indie rock approach, though this is hardly a drawback. The band makes full use of stereo effects, bouncing frantic guitar riffs left and right. The song sits right in that sonic band that mixes a happy day gone by with just a little cloud of painful nostalgia and bitter sweetness. Between this and the choppy riffs, the song serves the themes of seeking stability in time of change. The emotionally resonant soundtrack provided by the band provides the perfect vehicle to platform a surprisingly effective tune bridging the middle of the album to it’s second half.
“Weaponz” ignites with an earworm of fuzzy guitar and the bold declaration, “Where the drums at!” The track’s quick, riffing vocals and gritty guitar motif immediately pull you in, showcasing the album’s stellar production. As you get wrapped up in the instrumentation you realize just how effortlessly the band balances raw energy with polished craftsmanship. The layers of fuzz and distortion lend the song an aggressive edge blending grit and groove in a way that feels both spontaneous and meticulously constructed.
Another genre-mashup, “Live Until You Die” opens with synth-heavy textures that merge seamlessly with jangly guitars, creating a sound that feels more akin to a Krautrock album than traditional indie rock. The track’s themes of pursuing dreams in the face of negativity align with the overarching message of resilience. The instruments and production take a left turn here, offering a refreshing departure that feels both unexpected and entirely welcome. The contrast between the airy synths and the grounded guitar lines feels like a sonic metaphor for the tension between aspiration and reality—a key thread in the songs lyrics.
Next up is “Boyfriend”, which opens with nostalgic sounds like that of a polyphonic ringtone from 2008, instantly setting a tender tone that sharply contrasts with the previous track. The triumphant chorus is undoubtedly one of the album’s crowning jewels—a perfect blend of jubilation and carefree celebration. This track exudes a warm, fuzzy vibe that feels like the drive to the airport for a long-awaited holiday or long awaited reunion. The inclusion of clinking glasses and playful xylophone notes adds layers of charm and depth to the song’s already atmosphere, ensuring “Boyfriend” is a cosy reminder that life is worth living.
“The Commander” follows, bursting onto the scene with a track that’s all about taking charge. The deep, authoritative vocal ad-libs and bombastic, dancey synth-pop elements mirror the confidence and gusto of the song’s themes. It’s less of a song and more of a personal mantra, like a chant for self-empowerment that propels the listener forward. The commanding presence of the track is undeniable, with every beat and synth hit reinforcing the message of boldness and taking control. It’s a track that dares you to step into the role of the leader in your own life, backed by a soundtrack that makes you feel unstoppable.
“Tale of a Man” follows with a happy-go-lucky tune that explores love and the hollow feelings that accompany temporary separation. Despite likely flying under the radar due to the more boisterous numbers on the album, this track is a hidden gem that deserves attention. The song’s cheerful vibe is a comforting, sweet and introspective track that for this reviewer is a standout moment offering a quieter but equally powerful stop on the album.
“What It Feels Like” delves into the themes of self-sabotage and the journey toward self-improvement. Something of a candid exploration of the impact that self-destructive behaviours can have on one’s enjoyment of life, the song observes the frustration of being stuck in a cycle of boredom and longing to feel whole again. A bit more raw and relatable, anyone who has ever grappled with the challenge of getting out of their own way will enjoy this one. The album closes with “A Day in the Life of a No Good Pirate,” a sea shanty-styled tune that’s as delightfully offbeat as it sounds. This track takes listeners on a wild adventure through the eyes of a pirate captain and his crew, facing mutineers, treasure, and the dreaded Kraken. It’s easy to apply some heavy-handed metaphor but more than anything it’s a quirky finale that encapsulates the band’s willingness to take risks and embrace the unexpected.
To simply describe MajorDomo would fall short of capturing the true essence of what it offers. This album is a vibrant collection of tracks, each brimming with quiet confidence, boundless creativity, and an avant-garde spirit that refuses to conform to the expected. It stands as one of the most refreshing and inspired releases in recent memory, effortlessly blending playful sound effects and creative vocals with a rich array of influences and production elements. The result is a sound that feels both nostalgically familiar yet refreshingly current.
What ultimately sets MajorDomo—and Teenage Dads—apart is their remarkable ability to push musical boundaries without succumbing to self-indulgence. They strike a perfect balance between the unexpected and the familiar, always prioritizing infectious melodies and sharp song writing. Their creativity is purposeful, directed maybe even contained, but always serving the song rather than overshadowing it or defining it.
This album is a testament to the band’s growth and evolution, proving that their initial success was no fluke. It’s an album that defies pigeonholing, embodying a sound that is as dynamic as it is cohesive. MajorDomo is a breath of fresh air—a reminder that there are still bands willing to take risks and push the envelope. The band’s true secret power lies in their ability to blend joyful playfulness with serious musicianship, a knack for crafting songs that are both irresistibly fun and musically polished. Catchy hooks and clever lyrics push forward the sheer joy of what they’re capable of, solidifying their place as one of the most exciting and innovative bands to emerge from Australia in recent years. For me, MajorDomo is not just an album—it’s a declaration that boring is well and truly out and Teenage Dads are in.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
MajorDomo is out this Friday. Pre-save HERE
