Lust For Life

There’s a good chance you’ve already heard the debut album from Australia’s indie-rock band Glass Towers because it was released a year ago in Australia and New Zealand. It’s taken this long to get released here in the States. Consisting of just two high school pals, Ben Hannam on vocals and guitar and Daniel Muszynski on drums, Glass Towers was featured on big festival line-ups not long after forming. As demonstrated by Halcyon Days, this was no stroke of luck.

Each track has that one line that sticks and is always backed by fast-paced instrumentals. “Tonight” is one example of a lyrically divine song that captures young love and youth in general: “How can you fall asleep, boy? / We haven’t got the time / I need you more than you realize / I need you all the time.” The drums, vocals and guitar are equally on point, making this track one of the best on the album.

Sometimes Hannam’s vocals sound too far out, too echo-y, and contain too much unneeded double track, slightly resembling something like a cheesy ’80s radio song for a few minutes, like in “Gloom.” But when the voice effects take a chill pill, Hannam, with his Australian accent, finds a perfect mix of alternative and punk in his sound.

The theme of “I want to go back to the good ole days” is consistent throughout and doesn’t let up even once; however, us older people can still easily enjoy the album. The tips taken from former leaders in the alt-rock world stand out positively and will make any adult dance and sing along.

While Halcyon Days longs for the days of being young and in puppy love, the guys don’t have to fret too much about being too old to experience any more of that—they’re only in their early 20s. Someone needs to tell them that your 30s are better.