“God I hope this motherfucking report sells,” Kai James sings on the upbeat title track of ‘Name A Physician’, Brisbane indie rock band Lady And Lady’s debut album. Delivered with much less charisma, the road would come throughout as gauche. However appeal is one thing Lady And Lady have in spades – as confirmed with their groovy breakout ‘Dance Now’ in 2022 – and in consequence, the lyric provides tongue-in-cheek honesty that cuts a throughline throughout the album.
Although the band examine themselves to Parquet Courts and Arcade Hearth, these comparisons – although correct – don’t fairly seize the theatrical streak that makes ‘Name A Physician’ so irresistible. You possibly can nearly envision stage curtains drawing again on spoken-word opening monitor ‘Intro’, the place James depicts a fictional hospital affected person – their psychological well being in shambles – lastly reaching out for assist, just for their name to go unanswered. It’s a darkish topic, but it’s explored with a contact of humour. “In case you’re gonna watch 10 warfare movies within the house of two days,” sings James, drily impersonating a physician, “that’s in all probability not going to do nice issues in your head both.”
Because the protagonist learns to flee the depths of their very own thoughts, you’ll be able to tangibly monitor their journey by the album. Boisterous third monitor ‘Good day’ is about dwelling with darkish ideas for thus lengthy that they tackle a cushty familiarity; however quickly after, cracks of daylight of their romanticised distress seem. “Life will probably be wasted, so attain out and take it,” beams James on ‘Oh Boy!’, a rambling, joyous second of catharsis.
The road is accompanied by grooving bass strains, relentless drumming, and reverb-drenched guitar – all hallmarks of ‘Name A Physician’, which stays brilliant and sensible no matter subject material. The emotional breakthrough is much from full – ‘Suffocate’ is about heavy, smothering love – however the album’s actual message, that all the pieces can actually be alright in case you battle for it, takes form.
It’s an infectious perspective, making it unimaginable to hearken to Lady And Lady’s sunny debut with out digging up your personal sense of youthful optimism. Regardless of the fullness of its sound, ‘Name A Physician’ by no means loses its private contact, too. “You’ve been swell / Oh, what the hell / You’ve been expensive,” closes James on ‘Outro’, bringing all this vibrant melodrama to a touching finish. The sensation is mutual.
- Launch date: Might 24
- Report label: Sub Pop
