I do listen to a lot of music, it goes with the territory…and it’s funny because this one was lying sleeping in my in-tray and I spotted it today and thought ‘hang on, I’m sure I have come across these guys before.’ And I had, I reviewed a single of theirs called “She Hates My Guts” for the magazine a year or so ago (how time flies). So even though I left it lying around like a sleepy cat, I think it’s time I woke this album up and had a listen. The album was released on October 17, so at least I’m still in the right year lol. It is available on all platforms right now.
So, the plan from me here is to show you the press release and then dive into the music.
“Sydney Indie Rockers Gavin Bowles & The Distractions are only asking the hard questions with their new album “Are We Having Fun Yet?”. Their second album (following 2023’s “Phoning It In”) is a snapshot of living in troubled times; touching on internal struggles, relationships,work/life balance and burnout.“Are We Having Fun Yet?” (out October 17 digitally and physically) may be partially heavy in subject matter, but musically still flaunts the bands renowned Power Pop & Pub Rock flavours, albeit with a few new treats. The lead singles “She Hates My Guts” and “Love Is Dumb” offer up luscious Pop-Rock guitars and vocal hooks aplenty, while mid-tempo groover “Sober” shows a more self-reflective side. Ultimately “Are We Having Fun Yet?” offers The Distractions territory to strut their talents and Bowles a strong foundation for his heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics and the occasional diatribe of modern day life.”
My review: the album has ten songs and runs to just under 40 minutes.
“She Hates my Guts” – this was the single I reviewed before and it was nice to meet, it again! I was like ‘oh yeah, I remember you! It’s as much fun as it was before and I will hold on to my comments last time “ the single reminds me of that eighties pop rock sound, sort of Duran Duran with tongue in cheek. The guitars are in the groove, the vocals made me smile and it has a nice little dance hook in there that is driven by the understated heart found in the drum sound. It needs an open car and a radio for full appreciation, I think, but in essence we have a commercial rocker for your listening enjoyment.”
“Damned” has a nice funky “Day Tripper” beat in the groove. It remains breezy and I liked the feel of the bass and rhythm. It’s not an over-thought track, doesn’t need to be, it’s fine!
“Love is Dumb” was the other lead single from the album. It is part of that eighties feel that came with the new romantics, and it presents a dreamy pop rock vibe, well-crafted with an introspective lyric that I found interesting.
“Pity Party” – this was good, a great bass and a more punky pop vibe, a bit of Undertones. I can see why these guys are getting such rave reviews for their live shows and I would bet this one would go great live. It has a bit of attitude and fun.
“Loser of the Year” is a dreamy rock feel. Again, the lyrics are darker, the music throbbing underneath a strong vocal performance. Not a favourite of mine on the album, but a well-crafted track.
“Sober” is closer to a ballad. The track is quite sad, it drifts through an introspective on too much drink. It’s more of an intimate track, settling into the album and allowing things to mellow – the drums were providing a great heartbeat here.
“Bored of Education” returns to that spiky pop punk that the guys do well. The track was one that would, I feel, go great in the live setting where I think it will grow wings. It was a little held back in the studio version, it seemed to have the brakes on a bit.
“Spooky” was one I really liked, it had a bit of Harlem in that ghostly strut. I could see this one doing nicely on late night radio or being the soundtrack for a teen horror movie not yet written.
“Super Fun Happy Slide” is three minutes of energy in a rocky pop style. It is a more sing-along style, if it was a drink this one is a Martini.
“Melancholy Tonight” closes the album with one of the longer tracks (running at over 5 mins). It took me more toward an Oasis sound and it showed a depth in songwriting and lyric that I liked. It shows a solid guitar sound and bookends the album with a strong beat and feeling.
Overall, Are We Having Fun Yet? does exactly what a good indie rock record should do: it entertains, it connects, and it occasionally lands a quiet emotional punch when you’re not expecting it. There’s craft here, there’s heart, and there’s enough energy to remind you why this band’s reputation as a live act keeps growing.
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You can stream music from Gavin Bowles and the Distractions here
By Anna-Louise Burgess