The Belair Lip Bombs: Again [Album Review]

The Belair Lip Bombs
Again
Third Man Records [2025]

“Hook after hook, Again is sharp, shimmering indie rock with real emotional bite.”

Album Overview: The Belair Lip Bombs formed eight years ago in the coastal Melbourne suburb of Frankston. The four friends—Maisie Everett, Mike Bradvica, Jimmy Droughton, and Daniel “Dev” Devlin—first bonded over a shared love of classic and indie rock while cutting their teeth in the city’s DIY scene at Singing Bird Studio. After early releases like their self-titled 2018 EP and 2019’s Songs to Do Your Laundry To EP, they gained traction which lead to more hype building for their first full length.

Their debut Lush Life in 2023 widened their audience, and its 2024 rerelease marked a milestone as the first Australian release on Jack White’s Third Man Records. The band’s follow-up, Again, feels like a confident reintroduction—a record that holds onto the intimacy of their DIY roots while sounding ready for the world stage. Across ten tracks, they channel connection, heartbreak, and hard-earned self-assurance through bright, sing-along choruses and radiant hooks. Produced with Nao Anzai and Joe White of Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Again bridges garage immediacy with crisp studio polish.

Musical Style: The Belair Lip Bombs strike a perfect balance between fuzzed-out guitars, glowing harmonies, and brisk tempos. Maisie’s voice—both commanding and vulnerable—cuts through layers of melody with ease, while the rhythm section keeps things tight and propulsive. Their self-described “yearn-core” and “limerence-rock” mix turns emotional honesty into something bold and infectious—equal parts anthemic power-pop and dreamy indie warmth.

Evolution of Sound: Compared to the raw grit of their early material, Again sharpens the band’s songwriting and expands their sonic reach. It’s their first time collaborating with outside producers, and that trust pays off in a fuller, more spacious sound. Where Lush Life hinted at promise, Again delivers it completely—stacked harmonies, more daring arrangements, and a relaxed confidence that comes from a band locked into their own rhythm.

Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of Waxahatchee’s heartfelt drive, The Beths’ melodic punch, or the clean shimmer of Alvvays and Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever will enjoy this record. There are flashes of Yawners’ immediacy and the bittersweet charm of early Material Issue, but The Belair Lip Bombs’ chemistry gives their songs a heartbeat that’s uniquely theirs.

Pivotal Tracks: “Hey You” bursts out of the gate with propulsive energy and a looping synth line that opens new ground for the group. “Back of My Hand” pairs tenderness with thick guitar interplay, radiating both warmth and resolve. “Don’t Let Them Tell You (It’s Fair)” stands tall as an anthem of independence, while “If You’ve Got the Time” captures the pure joy of a band in sync. Each track carries emotion through momentum—hooky, heartfelt, and impossible to sit still through.

Lyrical Strength: Maisie Everett writes with a striking sense of self-awareness, turning vulnerability into connection. Her lyrics explore love, doubt, and determination but always with an undercurrent of strength. Whether she’s challenging expectations on “Don’t Let Them Tell You (It’s Fair)” or savoring fleeting affection on “Smiling,” her words hit with honesty and warmth. There’s no artifice—just the kind of lyrical clarity that lingers long after the last chorus.

Final Groove: Again is the sound of a band leveling up without losing what made them special. It’s crisp, catchy, and emotionally open—a bright reminder that heart and craft can coexist beautifully. The Belair Lip Bombs don’t just reintroduce themselves here; they plant a flag. If this is their new chapter, it’s one worth replaying again and again.

THE BELAIR LIP BOMBS REVIEW HISTORY
Lush Life (2023)

THE BELAIR LIP BOMBS LINKS
Instagram | Bandcamp | Third Man Records