Some bands sound like they’ve been playing together for years. The Boojums, from Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, have been at it for barely a year — yet their debut album hits with the confidence of a seasoned live act. Recorded straight to tape, The Boojums bursts with garage grit, power-pop melody, and that loose, anything-can-happen energy you only get when a band’s still discovering how good they are.

If you are stretched for time, the strong opening trio of Outta My Head, Wings of Fire and Stick Together set the tone and tells you everything you need to know about this band. The rest of the record keeps the pace, balancing scrappy rockers with moments that hint at something more reflective. It’s loud, unpolished, infectious and full of life — the kind of record that makes you wish you were seeing them in a packed bar somewhere rather than listening through headphones.

The Boojums doesn’t reinvent anything, but it doesn’t need to. It’s the sound of a new band having a blast — and that’s plenty.

Out now on Having Fun Records (a new imprint of We Are Busy Bodies).

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp || Having Fun Records