The Belair Lip Bombs, an emerging indie rock band from Australia, have made waves in the music scene with their latest album, ‘Again’, released under Third Man Records. This marks a significant milestone as they become the first Australian act to sign with the label, founded by musician Jack White. Known for their catchy hooks and streamlined arrangements, the band’s sound resonates deeply with fans, positioning them as a standout group within Melbourne’s vibrant indie music community.
The band’s distinct style is characterized by a commitment to simplicity. Their production remains slick, with arrangements that prioritize catchy melodies. The new album features tracks like the opener ‘Again And Again’, which showcases a lively energy reminiscent of The Strokes, and ‘If You’ve Got The Time’, which carries a classic rock strut akin to The Rolling Stones. The Belair Lip Bombs’ music video for the single ‘Hey You’ further cements their cool aesthetic, featuring the band performing on a rooftop while dressed in sharp suits.
Having formed shortly after graduating from high school in 2017, members Maisie Everett and Mike Bradvica grew up in the coastal suburb of Frankston. The duo met at secondary school, where they quickly bonded over their shared passion for music. Despite the lack of a robust cultural scene in Frankston, the band found a home at Singing Bird Studio, a local DIY space that provided both rehearsal facilities and live performance opportunities. “For the first five or six years, that was our home base,” Everett explains, highlighting its importance in their development.
The Belair Lip Bombs released their self-titled EP in 2018 and followed up with ‘Songs To Do Your Laundry To’ in 2019. Their first full-length album, ‘Lush Life’, released in 2023, received critical acclaim, including a positive review from NME, which called it a “thrilling debut.” The success of this album bolstered their confidence and led them to focus on creating music with longevity. Everett stated, “We wanted to make a record that hopefully has a lot of re-listen value. You don’t want to make an album that’s cool but doesn’t age well.”
As they prepared to record ‘Again’, the band felt the pressure of working with a label for the first time. “This time we were like, ‘No, we can definitely do better than this, let’s keep chipping away at it,’” Everett noted. The collaborative songwriting process within the band remains a key aspect of their creativity. “We write all of our songs together as a band in a room,” she added, emphasizing the importance of feeding off each other’s energies during the creative process.
The Belair Lip Bombs recently embarked on their first full tour of the United States, performing alongside fellow Australian band Spacey Jane. Their experience in unfamiliar cities has taught them valuable lessons about connecting with diverse audiences. “Sometimes you get a good reaction in cities that you least expect it,” Everett reflected. “We did a show in Portland, Oregon, and for whatever reason, the audience was really into it.”
Looking ahead, the band has plans for extensive tours across the UK, Europe, and North America. They hope that the positive reception of ‘Again’ will allow them to continue touring and engaging with fans worldwide. “Hopefully the album is well-received and it all goes well, and it allows us to be able to tour more and go overseas again,” Everett stated.
As the Belair Lip Bombs continue to carve their niche in the music industry, their dedication to creating engaging and timeless rock music stands out. With their newfound success and a commitment to authenticity, they are poised to leave a lasting impact on the indie rock landscape. Their album ‘Again’ is now available through Third Man Records.
