The Belair Lip Bombs ‘Again’ Review: Melbourne Indie Upstarts Eye Global Stardom

Melbourne’s The Belair Lip Bombs elevate indie rock with their bold album ‘Again’, breaking new ground while aiming for worldwide recognition.

A Rising Star from Melbourne’s Indie Scene

If you had your ear to the ground in 2023, you probably caught wind of The Belair Lip Bombs’ debut album Lush Life making waves across Melbourne’s indie circuits. This four-piece band didn’t just stop at local acclaim—they made a leap that many dream about. Last year, they became the very first Australian act signed to Jack White’s prestigious Third Man Records, a milestone that instantly put them on the global music map.

Taking on the mantle of a label famously associated with boundary-pushing artists like Jack White himself is no small feat, but these Melbourne upstarts have the confidence and drive to match. Their early grit and versatility on Lush Life won them this coveted spot, setting high expectations for what would come next.

Breaking New Ground with ‘Again’

The sophomore album Again is anything but a simple replay of their debut. Instead, it’s a bold exploration that stretches the boundaries they’d already pushed. The title might suggest a redo, but this record is more like an evolution.

Take the punchy lead single “Hey You” as an example. It crackles with energy, riding on a hypnotic Rhodes keyboard loop that lures you in, while new drummer Daniel Devlin’s pounding rhythms drive the urgency home. Devlin, who joined from the band Delivery, brings fresh dynamism that’s impossible to ignore. This track, alongside the fiery rock finale “Don’t Let Them Tell You (It’s Fair),” proves one thing: The Belair Lip Bombs are a rock band first and foremost, with indie credentials that add flavor rather than define them.

A Band Growing in Confidence and Sound

One of the most noticeable shifts between Lush Life and Again is how assured the band sounds. Lead guitarist Michael Bradvica steps up as a commanding presence throughout the album, his playing both groovy and nuanced. On “Cinema,” his Nile Rodgers-esque “chucking” guitar work adds irresistible depth, funk-infused yet tasteful. On the more vulnerable track “Smiling,” Bradvica’s deft guitar lines almost seem to have a conversation with vocalist Maisie Everett’s emotive delivery, creating moments that are truly spellbinding.

Everett, too, has grown immensely as a vocalist. Her heartfelt and nuanced performance shines brightest during the album’s quieter moments, showcasing a depth and maturity that wasn’t as evident before.

Taking Risks with Emotional Depth

Perhaps the most daring moment on Again is the piano ballad “Burning Up,” which marks a significant departure from the band’s usual guitar-driven style. It’s a tender, pensive track that unfolds over four minutes, inviting listeners to sit with the rawness of breakup pain. Everett’s lyrics are sharp and poetic, self-assessing as “a prick in your thumb” while her ex-lover is “a bruise in [her] lung.” The line “We were made for each other, but we gotta blow out the flame” lingers in your mind long after the song ends.

This track swaps roaring guitars and energetic drums for ethereal E-bows and gentle jazz brushes, tugging directly at the heartstrings. It’s a brave moment where the band shows they’re not afraid to venture into unfamiliar territory, and it pays off beautifully.

Carving Out a Place on Australia’s Global Music Stage

Australian music has been on a spectacular rise as a cultural export recently, with punk and hardcore bands like Amyl & The Sniffers and Speed storming the scene alongside international heavyweights like Tame Impala and Rüfüs Du Sol commanding arenas worldwide. Into this vibrant tapestry steps The Belair Lip Bombs, carving their unique spot.

Again feels like an audition, a bold statement that The Belair Lip Bombs are ready—and hungry—to become one of the world’s biggest bands. Their blend of indie grit and rock energy combined with emotional storytelling offers something fresh yet familiar, promising an exciting road ahead.

Album Details

• Record label: Third Man Records
• Release date: October 31, 2025

Final Thoughts

So, what’s the verdict? Again is a confident, compelling follow-up that shows The Belair Lip Bombs stepping into their own with gusto. Their blend of urgency and vulnerability, rock swagger and emotional nuance, marks them as one of Melbourne’s—and Australia’s—most exciting acts right now. With their sights set firmly on global stardom, this album is a thrilling declaration of intent.

Are you ready to join the journey with The Belair Lip Bombs? Their sound is evolving fast, and it’s one you’ll want to keep close on your playlist.

FAQ

• What genre does The Belair Lip Bombs primarily play?
  They blend indie rock with a strong foundation in classic rock, featuring both energetic and introspective tracks.
• Who is the new drummer on the album Again?
  Daniel Devlin, formerly of the band Delivery, brings fresh energy and driving rhythms to the band’s sound.
• How does Again differ from their debut album?
  While Lush Life introduced their versatile style, Again expands the sonic palette with new textures, including piano ballads and funk-inspired guitar work.
• What themes are explored on Again?
  The album delves into ambition, heartbreak, self-reflection, and the desire to break new ground both musically and personally.
• Why is signing to Third Man Records significant for the band?
  Being the first Australian act signed to Jack White’s label is a major milestone, giving them international exposure and aligning them with a legacy of innovative artists.

If you’re captivated by the album’s vibe and want to bring a piece of The Belair Lip Bombs’ energy home, consider shopping for your favorite album cover poster at our store. It’s a great way to keep the spirit of Again alive on your walls.

Shop album cover posters here