Palms - Crazy Rack (2015)

What originally began as a phoenix risen from the ashes of coulda-been-champions Red Riders has soared far higher than either frontman Alex Grigg or drummer Tom Wallace could have anticipated. Palms have evolved into one of the more high-octane acts jangling about Australia's garage rock scene, thanks in no small part to a killer live show and a comparatively-big sound stemming from it.

I’ve come to know the majority of Crazy Rack after seeing it played live over the last few years – fans will already be well acquainted with Rainbows' sweetly-simple bop, Thoughts of You’s cracking power-pop. This highlights a key flaw of the record itself: the production. The band’s songwriting has certainly progressed since 2013's Step Brothers – see masterful opener Bad Apple and the power-chord-heavy Sleep Too Much – but the recording leans to close to the lo-fi stylings of Grigg's other band, Straight Arrows.

It might seem prudish to request a cleaner sound, but it would suit the band’s new material – particularly in the case of lead guitarist Dion Ford, who certifiably shreds through the album’s entire runtime. Although Crazy Rack doesn't quite hit the mark, it's still a lot of fun – and, naturally, it's a blast live.