The Californian group released its second album Too on the back of a massive buzz from the self-titled debut in 2013.

It was always going to be hard to top such an energetic, refreshing explosion into the skate-punk music scene. FIDLAR has not recreated its debut, but it has expanded on it.

Frontman Zac Carper, has been quite open that for the writing and production of the second album, he’s kickeddrugs and booze.

Lots of the songs deal with his new-found sobriety: Sober, Leave Me Alone, and Bad Habits.

The band has done the right thing: Too is the bratty, shouty FIDLAR we all know and love, but with a few more years’ experience in their songwriting.

Soon you can catch FIDLAR live - they’re playing the 2016 Laneway festival circuit.

★★★★

- ZONA BLACK

THIS is everything you would expect from the boys from Regurgitator.

Fast-paced, more than a bit cheeky, but a hell of a lot of fun.

This live performance from the Hi Fi in Melbourne in 2012 covers all these bases and much more.

All the tracks you would expect are on here, and you spend the entire time listening wishing you were there at that venue yourself three years ago.

Good fun and a good trip down memory lane

★★★

- ALEX FAIR

BEIRUT’S fourth album No No No is one that is a pleasant listen.

Touching on an indie-folk world sound, Zach Condon and his group present an offering that is very easy to get into over its nine tracks.

While in many ways it is a bit of one-trick pony, primarily through the use of the piano, this repetition is not one that becomes tedious.

While yes, it is pleasant, it is still very much upbeat and one that anyone that likes folk-style music of any variety will enjoy.

A great listen that really is worth the effort. 

★★★1/2

- ALEX FAIR