Hello Reader,
Welcome back. How has your day been?
Today we’re going to delve into the Aussie group Skegss. They’ve been described as multiple genres including but not limited to surf rock, garage rock, indie rock, and punk rock. In 2014, Skegss was formed in Byron Bay which is located on the eastern coast of the most populous state NSW within the entire country by bass guitarist Toby Cregan (also known as Toby Two String), guitarist Noa Deane, drummer Jonny Lani (also known as Johnny Layback), and lead vocalist and guitarist Ben Reed (also known as Ben Ben Bograil). Lani and Reed were childhood friends who resumed their friendship in 2014 and formed a band soon after. Deane would be the first to leave Skegss in 2015 to focus on a surfing career making the band a trio. In 2023, Cregan left the group, creating a duo of Lani (drums) and Reed (lead vocals, guitar, bass guitar), which continues to be their current studio lineup.
If you look at Skegss’ discography, you’ll see more than a handful of studio releases including 50 Push Ups for a Dollar EP (2015), Everyone Is Good at Something EP (2016), Holiday Food EP (2017), their first full-length album My Own Mess (2018), their second album Rehearsal (2021) and two self-released EPs; Skegss (2014), 3 Songs We Recorded with Adam When We Were in Melbourne (2015). My Own Mess was very popular in Australia in 2018, reaching all the way to #2 on the ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) and garnering positive critical reviews and an ARIA Music Award nomination for Best Rock Album in Australia as well. In 2020, the re-release of 50 Push Ups for a Dollar EP saw similar success for the band, reaching #4. Rehearsal debuted at #1 on ARIA Albums Chart and led to the bands’ first-ever Coachella appearance and also a sold-out U.S. tour.
And on Friday, October 18th for your listening pleasure comes Skegss’ third album, Pacific Highway Music via Loma Vista Recordings. From the album’s press release while talking about the title of the album and goals listeners should have, Reed said, “I’ve spent a lot of my life driving on the Pacific Highway, and most of the time it puts me in a bit of hypnotic state.” He elaborated, “With this album I tried to be as honest as possible, but I also wanted to create the kind of songs that give you that same feeling—songs where you can shut your eyes, let your imagination take over, and drift off into another world that exists only in your mind.”
And now for some hype for your ears and eyes!
The road travel video for the song “High Beaming”:
(All credits and rights to Skegss)
The dancing alien in the video for the song “Spaceman”:
(All credits and rights to Skegss)
The catchy as hell song with a prominent background projector in the video for “Out of My Head”:
(All credits and rights to Skegss)
Overall, Pacific Highway Music is another solid offering into the band’s discography. It sounds like what longtime fans have heard and come to expect from Skegss. The melodies scream summery, surf, sunny, laid-back vibes paired with lyrics that are often adventurous, and at times introspective, darker and explorative. For some that’s a harsh juxtaposition. For others, they might be only able to listen to this album during summer. Sorry to hear that, I think Pacific Highway Music is worth listening to year-round. The title and intended theming deal with travel. So, is this a road trip album? Yeah, I’d slide it into that road trip mix. There are other themes including but not limited to isolation, loneliness, dealing with loss and gratitude. Within this album the duo shows on several occasions, growth as songwriters, growth as instrumentalists and as creators of musical compositions. If you had any doubt, if two humans were enough for a rock band, wonder no more. Skegss accomplishes this. Reed and Lani may not redefine their sound on this album, but they sharpen it and add it some fantastic touches and nuances.
The opening song “Tradewinds” is a great start to the album. Our trip has officially begun. Solid drumming from Lani thrusting us forward into the melody with some jangly guitar progressions, and slick vocals from Reed.
“High Beaming” opens with more aggressive drumming and sharper guitar chords. Reed’s vocals are delivered with more force, and the effect is a more punk sounding song with surf undertones. It’s a great combo to my ears. The lyrics transport you to a cliff above a beach, where you’re reflecting in thought and feeling gratitude.
“Think I Can Fly” features a melody that begins with acoustic guitar. Some nice strumming is heard throughout this song with drumming heavy on the snare in the best marching ways, that matches the guitar. Later we hear some electric guitar riffs.
The next song, “Brain On The Highway” features a few well-placed melodic changes. The musical instrumentation and cues used from percussion, to guitar, even the vocals, are superb. The melody is a fuzzy good time while the lyrics are a bit more skeptical.
“Stuck In Cheyenne” is a fast paced, hard charging song for this band. The intro and outro have a sound that many listeners will instantly associate with Japan. The lyrics reflect on travel, longing to be elsewhere. This is to my ears, the most road trip playlist worthy song on the album, so far.
“Spaceman” kicks off with some gorgeous guitar work and weary delivered vocals from Reed. Lani’s drums match Reed’s deliveries and the tone and vibe of the melody perfectly. Incredible solos as well. The lyrics are longing, bittersweet but in a hauntingly beautiful way. This composition is my favorite on the album so far. With its’ themes of isolation, while I was listening, “Spaceman” recalled to me, Bowie’s great song “Starman”. Truly. There’s no comparing to Bowie. Yet some need that in their life. For them, I’ll go further and say that Skegss “Spaceman” could be called the modern-day surf rock genre version of Bowie’s “Starman” due to similar themes in lyrics and mood. There are a few caveats in there but listen to both and decide for yourself.
The next song, “Batten Down The Hatches” opens with some memorable vocals, providing a choral, harmonized effect. Lani’s drumming hits hard on the toms, bass and snare drums again with ferocity and the results are a danceable, tight rhythm. Reed adds some wonderful bass grooves and vocals to complete the song.
Another song where the melody stands out is “Aeroplane Heart”, due in large part to its guitar work and drums. The lyrics and vocals from Reed also are given time to shine and thus they stand out.
“Out Of My Head” kickstarts with an incredible melody of jangly, fuzzy guitar work and more tight drumming from Lani. Reed’s choruses are earworms due to their lyrical nature and also due to the memorable deliveries. There’s so much energy in this one, I love it. I’d bet this song is amazing to hear live. I would not be surprised if others found it to be their favorite or second favorite song on the album.
The reflective and grateful lyrics “It Is” warm the heart. The melody has some force and angst but with a concise goal in mind as it charges forward.
“Kelly Heroes” is a lovely end to the album. The lyrics take us full circle, sending us back on the road again. For a new adventure? Lani goes ham on the drum kit, especially the cymbals on this one. The guitar jingles and jangles with attitude. In all the best ways.
Pacific Highway Music gets 4 out of 5 Scum Drops from me. To be more specific, I think it’s in the mid-range of the 4 Scum Drops territory, relative to all 2024 new album releases. That equates to the 76th-79th percentile. For those new to the site, here’s a brief explanation on our rating system. Welcome back. There’s a lot to like about Pacific Highway Music, from the melodies and vibes to the lyrics and vocals. I love a good road trip playlist and songs that sound like those on this album. Long-time fans what do you think of this album? I think it slides in well into their discography. Add it to your collection on the format(s) of your choosing.
Pacific Highway Music Track listing (song length)
- Tradewinds (3:57)
- High Beaming (3:35)
- Think I Can Fly (2:42)
- Brain On The Highway (3:11)
- Stuck In Cheyenne (2:45)
- Spaceman (3:52)
- Batten Down The Hatches (4:12)
- Aeroplane Heart (2:58)
- Out Of My Head (3:11)
- It Is (3:09)
- Kelly Heroes (4:26)
Total runtime: 37:47
I’ll always advocate that you take the time to listen to every album in its entirety. The process from start to finish with Pacific Highway Music will take you just over a half an hour. Listen twice back-to-back and it’s a little bit more than an hour of time. Along the way, you’ll discover your own favorite songs without the influence or bias of others. After a few listens on my own, the songs that are highlighted in green font above are my favorite songs on this album.
Skegss website with tour info, merch, music and socials at the bottom of the page is linked right here! Their Instagram is extremely active as well.
Thank you for reading and supporting good music.
Until next time,
Alex
Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site, scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions and SWT Interviews. And all of our socials.
Questions, feedback, or more? Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com
