Lists
February: 18 albums you need to hear this month
Nightmares On Wax, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Nils Frahm and more
Midlife 'Phase' (Research Records)
In recent years, Australia has become a major hub for contemporary psych. But while Tame Impala have blazed a trail with their stoner grooves, Midlife’s sonic vistas are even more expansive, pouring in trippy disco, hypnotic motorik rhythms and jazzy virtuosity. It’s the perfect accompaniment to non-strenuous activity, particularly under the blazing hot sun. On ‘Kwango Zop’, they flirt with Earth, Wind & Fire territory, mashing together squelching keys, a torrent of handclaps and choppy disco guitar licks. But it’s the nine-minute epic ‘The Magnificent Moon’ that’s the glittering standout, as sun-kissed, arpeggiated synths and a squall of reverb tumble through your higher consciousness. As trips down under go, it’s a freaky one. Stephen Worthy
7/10
