New album: Best Bets || On An Unhistoric Night

Our expectations for Best Bets’ debut LP (On An Unhistoric Night) were so high, it didn’t even made the wantlist. As soon as the band dropped the first single we pre-ordered the LP at Meritorio Records. That first song was Crystal Mausoleum, a prototypical Best Bets song: upbeat, energetic, scrappy and infectious guitar-driven power pop.

Like the world’s biggest tease, the band subsequently dropped Whataworld, Olympic Sprinter and most recently King Cnut. Three songs that few guitar bands will be able to match this year in terms of joy they provide, nor the amount of neck injuries from wildly boppin’ my head to them. Now that the full beast has arrived, It’s kind of crazy that rather than the highlights, those four teasers were exemplary of what to expect from On An Unhistoric Night.

To name a few: The record opens on a high note with the Teenage Fanclubesque The Point. And what about Wrong Side Of The Sun with its crazy catchy high-pitched hoohoo’s? I love that one! Or European Cars? A dose-a-day of that one will keep the blues away. Looking Back With Mike – with an organ reminiscent of Costello’s early stuff is another massive hit. It’s one of several songs that subtly reminds me of late ’70s UK bands like The Jam, Buzzcocks, and Undertones. But I’m sure fans of ’90s britpop and bands like Ash and Teenage Fanclub will appreciate this Best Bets LP as well.

Best Bets (Ōtautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand) are Olly Crawford-Ellis and James Harding (Transistors), James’ brother Luke (Millionaire Debrofski), long-time friend Matt Phimmavanh, and Joe Sampson (Salad Boys). On An Unhistoric Night was produced by Brian Feary, who is building quite the discography with records by Wurld Series, Salad Boys and The Dance Asthmatics. But I’m pretty sure this one is my favorite. Jump on the Best Bets bandwagon now. There is still some space, but with a record this awesome for how long?




Buy the LP via Meritorio Records (US / EU / UK) and Melted Ice Cream (rest of world).
Add to wantlist: Bandcamp || Meritorio Records

3 thoughts on “New album: Best Bets || On An Unhistoric Night”

  1. Acheté en vinyl coloré par pur hasard sur internet.
    Ce disque mérite 15 /20 .
    1er LP : TOP .
    Eric

  2. Pingback: Music Year-End List || Dennis’ Favorite Albums of 2022 – Add To Wantlist

  3. Pingback: Music Year-End List || Niek’s Favorite Albums of 2022 – Add To Wantlist

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