A new and improved sound for the Australian trio

Brisbane’s The Goon Sax have turned heads with their latest album, Mirror II. This album displays a new sound for the bunch. It’s playful and quirky, with a few serious bits thrown in here and there.

“Carpetry” is a great example of the new, lighthearted sound The Goon Sax explores on this album. With the beachy instrumentals and the mirthful lyrics and vocals, it would be easy for anyone to mistake this song for one by the B-52’s. It contains lots of nonsensical lyrics, such as the chorus, “I need carpetry/ me happy.” This song is pure fun and entertainment and is a lovely piece to have featured on a project like Mirror II.

“Tag” is another of the many fun songs off this album. It features whimsical synths and the gorgeous voice of drummer Riley Jones, whose vocals are featured sporadically throughout the record. The opening lines sing, “You called my number three times today/ but I was busy on the other plane/ so you called the pilot, and they came down here just to say/ we were playing a game called ‘tag.’” Lyrics like these are one of many examples of the strength in The Goon Sax’s ability to paint a mental picture. 

“In the Stone” is one of the heavier songs off the album. It opens with muddy instruments and the line “Do you think it’s better not feeling any of this at all?” The track combines the vocals of Louis Forster and Jones for a beautifully textured sound. Other lines such as “if you’re so above it/ don’t watch me down here” and “didn’t have to sound so disappointed when I called” radiate pure frustration.

The song “Desire” has a dreamy, shoegaze sound to it. It pulsates between heavier, louder sections to light and airy ones. Lyrically, it’s exactly what one would want to hear from a song with that title. “Hear the heartstrings that scream/ I want to be adored” is one of the many lines that stick out as pure lyrical genius. The chorus repeats the line “desire is a daydream of love,” an impactful and thought-provoking line that perfectly ties together this sonic beauty. 

“Bathwater” opens with a hypnotizing bassline and is quickly joined by a surf-rock guitar. This track might’ve been just another typical indie rock song if it weren’t for the addition of soulful saxophone, another demonstration of the astonishing musical intelligence of The Goon Sax. The chorus changes the tempo from a laid-back alternative tune to an uptempo manic sound, giving the song yet another clever contrast.  

The Goon Sax have truly proved themselves with Mirror II. They’ve demonstrated their versatility in sound, endearingly clever lyrics and master storytelling abilities. The growth from their last album, We’re Not Talking, to now, makes one excited to know what new tricks this band has up their sleeves for the future.