“We can agree/I’m not quite what I used to be,” James Harrison, a preternaturally world-weary teen, mumbles on ‘Telephone’, a standout track from the Goon Sax’s debut record, Up to Anything. At once self-conscious and naïve, it’s one of many tunes on the theme of adolescent awkwardness, with lyrics detailing sweaty palms, unconsummated affection and the indignity – even “heartbreak” – of a home haircut.

Despite their youthful preoccupations (the band’s youngest member is only 17), this trio has sophisticated tastes. On the eve of their album launch tour, they’ve sent us a playlist: 17 songs about water. Featuring tracks from Soft Machine drummer Robert Wyatt, as well as John Phillips’ cult first record the Wolfking of LA, it’s a timely reminder that, though just out of high school, the Goon Sax are cooler than you.

Singer/guitarist Louis Forster writes:

‘The following songs aren’t connected by any kind of genre or time period, but what they all have in common is that they are set beside or based on some kind of body of water. Whether it’s the Marine Girls’ loneliness scaling the depth of the ocean, or Neil Young’s bitter observations on the beach, by the water is always a brilliant setting for a song, and serves as the perfect comparison to just about any emotion.’

Tracklist:

Saturday, 2 April

Sydney – Newtown Social Club
supports FLOWERTRUCK and Solid Effort
https://newtownsc.ticketscout.com.au/gigs/5101-the-goon-sax?_ga=1.2921016.983764161.1456103188

Saturday, 9 April
Melbourne – The Tote Hotel
supports Chook Race, Hearing and Dag
https://thetotehotel.oztix.com.au/?Event=60520

Saturday, 30 April
Brisbane – Trainspotters
supports Blank Realm and Scraps
tickets on the door

Up To Anything is out now on Chapter on vinyl, CD and digital. Order it here.

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