Here’s an under-the-radar gem I can’t wait to introduce to you. Part of that has to do with the story behind it, but let’s start with the music. Imagine the kind of power pop inspired by the Powerpearls compilations. Think late ’70s Northern Ireland bands, sounding like a Good Vibrations version of The Jam, with a touch of the Saints, later-era The Clash, and present-day The Prize. Well, Belfast sounds a lot like that, pairing irresistible hooks with songs about the challenge of “keeping your heart in the right place in the big city.”

About that origin story? It is pretty good too. In 2023, Joseph Quine (Pist Idiots) started demoing solo material. When he had to return to Sydney for his job and ended up staying at his parents’ house for a week, he decided to record the songs properly in his childhood bedroom, which as Quine puts it, “together with the humiliation of making a power pop record as a 30 year old in my parents house in Bankstown, seemed perfect.” I like to imagine him clocking off work, heading home, and recording these songs surrounded by posters, old trophies, and whatever else his parents never got around to throwing out.

Two years later, those ten songs are finally here for all of us addicted to scrappy, hook-filled, melody packed, riff loaded guitar pop. Time to pump those fists, nod those heads, scream along (“I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I need it soon…that little spoonful of your love!”) and text your friends your latest discovery.

Belfast is out now through Proud of Hell and Endless Recordings.

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp