We can’t stop playing Misery Guests. But we can’t say that we have tried. In fact, we don’t find its prominence on our office music system to be a problem for us because we don’t want to stop playing Misery Guests. In a style that we can best describe as Australiana pop with a folk vibe reminiscent of Fairport Convention (and dare we suggest, the spirit of The Band), the album is the debut full length from Melbourne band Ostraaly. The songs are varied, with just the right mix of whimsy and darkly shaded humanity. If you like variety in your music, this album should be your next purchase. And if you are stuck in a rut of always listening to the same style, this album may be your guide star to a richer musical experience.
Ostraaly are Katharine Daly (vocals/guitar/Casio), Leonie ‘Luggs’ Brialey (drums/backing vocals), Alex Griffin (guitar/backing vocals), Charlie ‘Les’ Brennan (bass), Lily Tait (violin/keys/backing vocals), and Joel Roberson (piano). Misery Guests is out now in digital and cassette formats via Tenth Court. A vinyl version may be available in the future. The release date was moved up to help raise funds for First Nations, wildlife and the Victoria Country Fire Authority.