★★★★
Thigh Master’s debut LP couldn’t have come soon enough.
The Queenslanders have become an established national touring act over the past few years, solidifying their position as a major part of this country’s indie rock circuit.
Now that they’ve dropped their first album after a few seven-inch releases, we finally have a solid chunk of Thigh Master to sink our teeth into. Early Times carries on from those earlier efforts with Matthew Ford’s vocals whining over the sound of his rustic guitar.
Opening track ‘Ditch’ sets the tone for the remainder of the album. Thigh Master are all about bratty post-punk tunes, and Early Times recalls a lot of late ’80s and early ’90s underground acts, especially in terms of guitar tone. ‘Company’ shows Thigh Master at their catchiest – it’s a bubblegum pop classic with a big chorus, and of all the tracks here it stands out the most. In fact, that’s the only gripe one might have with Early Times: the songs are great and there’s a distinct style to them collectively, but the record offers few moments of differentiation.
Still, Early Times is a strong debut packed with tracks that will only further Thigh Master’s ever-growing reputation.
Thigh Master’sEarly Timesis out now via Coolin’ By Sound.
