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Goodshirt: Fiji Baby

Big selling first albums are followed up convincingly so rarely that I can't help but get quite excited by 'Fiji Baby'. It sees Goodshirt continuing with their slightly weird but wholly refreshing brand of pop, at the same time steering well clear of old ground. With former songwriting fast bowler Murray 'Bondy' Fisher retreating to the pavilion to handle engineering duties (and what a job he's done), the rest of the quickies have increased their output, sending down consistently strong deliveries. As early as track one (Not That Far - an engrossing intro to the album), we are welcomed back to that trademark synth sound. If Wellington had had a summer, glorious single Buck It Up is the song I would've been playing. Cement will surely be another hit, while Goodshirt remind of their more melancholic side on Cold Body Blues. The quirky Lucy (Phoenix Foundation meets Cassette?) may just be the best track on the album, Dumb Day is classic Goodshirt (if there indeed is such a thing), and the delightful closer Fiji Baby convinces you to play the whole album over again. I really liked the fact this album is only 37 minutes long, and with different songs standing out each listen, all the signs are good. This is a great modern pop record.

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