Having left Australia to scale Europe and the US once more, Melbourne’s favourite power-popsters have bolstered their increasingly impressive back catalogue with a new EP. Following on from last year’s excellent full-length, In Transit, the Hey Hey EP proves to be yet another lesson in pop songwriting. Opener “Devil In A Cardigan” is an acerbic gem about a pretty but cruel girl who “held (singer Zac Anthony’s) head under the water”. Meanwhile, “Under The Power of a Girl” and the Cars-y “The Coolest Drug” both showcase The Wellingtons’ Nick Lowe-like knack for writing catchy choruses, with what seems to be consummate ease. On the flipside,“Hey Hey” is fun but stands out as a little throwaway alongside an otherwise memorable set of songs. “Another Drummer Down”, is a folksy autobiographical stroll through The Wellingtons’ career. “Let’s go on, we’ll be strong, until the next one comes along,” Anthony sings, noting the band’s long line of drummers. Drummers may come and go for The Wellingtons, but infectious melodies are ever-present. Keep ’em coming.
4 Stars
The Wellingtons’ Hey Hey EP is available on Bandcamp now.
One Chord To Another 