CD of The Week

It's safe to say that 2014 was a big year for The Preatures. In less than a year, they have graced the stages of Glastonbury, Coachella, Bonnaroo and the Jimmy Kimmel Live! show all before the release of their debut album, Blue Planet Eyes. Much like the retro-rock darlings of HAIM, the Sydney five-piece channel key elements from the 1970's through the 1990's into a crisp, timeless sound that resonates with an instant memorability. Backing the hype they have generated with only one EP, this full-length release proves that The Preatures intend to be a band as enduring as their sound. Rejuvenating formerly released favorites and putting his mark on the newer tracks, Spoon's Jim Eno produced the album. Here he distinctly defines the instrumentals while adding subtle textures that allow the songs to [still] speak for themselves. Heartbreak disguised by infectious hooks, Blue Planet Eyes is a testament to the power of well-written pop songs.

Tied together by pronounced basslines and the signature, sultry vocals of frontwoman Isabella 'Izzi" Manfredi, each song finds its own way of stirring up emotion. The opening and titular track, "Blue Planet Eyes," has hints of new wave in the echoey vocals and dreamy soundscape created by synth and swelling guitars. Keys-soaked ballads "Two Tone Melody" and "Business, Yeh" show the band's gentler side while maintaining a smooth edginess. Stealing beats from the house music scene of the 90's, "Rock and Roll Rave" rides an oscillating bass riff through the ups and downs of hazy guitar lines and even mid-song descents into nothingness. But, the album is definitely at its best when the energy takes off in previous singles "Is This How You Feel?" and "Somebody's Talking" as well as new addition "Cruel." The cool combination of those hip-shaking basslines and massive, catchy choruses digs into a sexy groove meant for shameless dancing and incessant repetition.

Clocking in at just over a half hour, Blue Planet Eyes is the epitome of short and sweet. Manfredi's distinct vocals are strong but never overpowering. Jack Moffitt and Gideon Benson's guitars intertwine and bounce off one another but never clash. Driven by the heavy bass of Thomas Champion and the steady drumming of Luke Davidson, The Preatures blast through all ten tracks like a sprightly, well-oiled, music-making machine. A rarity in modern times and especially on a debut,Blue Planet Eyes is a solid album all the way through in which the brilliant songwriting shines brighter with every listen.