The living End

Wunderbar

Rock veterans take aim with radio-friendly truth-bombs. From alienated youth to the horrors of war, to the jawdroppingly terrifying developments in US politics and society in 2018 in the rockabilly-tinged Death Of The American Dream, long-serving Melbourne pop-punks The Living End have set out to document all sides of human life, good and bad, on their eighth album.

That might sound earnest, but because their music is so radiofriendly and accessible, with jangling melodies and nagging pop-rock choruses, and a deft knack for characterisation and storytelling, the net result is immersive and incongruously fun. And with a polished, warm, 80s-style production inviting you in to its pillowy comfort zone, Wunderbar is a timely piece of social commentary wrapped up in timeless craftsmanship.

emma Johnston