Spacejunk Self Titled Album Review

Words Sophie Dunsford

Released in February, this self-titled debut album for Melbourne fellas Spacejunk has a fun spirit while maintaining musical integrity. They sound familiar, but original at the same time. Elements of the their sound are reminiscent of grunge bands of yesteryear, but overall there’s a consistent band identity in all their songs.

A startling drum roll introduces opening track Fanboy, giving a sense that something is about to happen – something worthy of your attention. Each track on the album is characterised by its own unique guitar riff that repeats in fractal fashion until the song ends. Dextrous pedal work is used expertly to vary guitar tones. Vocals are there, but it’s all about the guitars and you’ll probably find yourself singing along with the guitars ‘na-na-na-na-na’ style rather than singing along with the words themselves. Keep your ears open for the twinge of high-pitched opening chords in Just A, that will get under your skin.

Each song is so different. The most distinctive on the album is the penultimate track Home. It begins with beautiful crystal tones that repeat until a fuzzy echoing overlay kicks in. Drums synchronise with the introduction of ominous-sounding guitar tones, which leads into vocals you’d expect to hear in a psychedelia revival band. There are some wavering bluesy riffs, before the song ends with the same crystal tones it started with. Their grungy core returns for the final track, 110, which has delightful short bursts of melodic shredding and a repeated guitar hook that will rattle around your brain for days.

Tune your air guitar and plug it into the nearest amp. Spacejunk is a great album for those days you want to throw yourself around the room. You’ll still be head-banging long after the record has finished playing.

Spacejunk’s debut is out now through High Kick Records.