The debut album from Aussie’s Panda Band oozes inspiration from the likes of Pink Floyd and the Beach Boys, with a sprinkling of psycho-delicacies a la Flaming Lips. Perth’s five-piece have produced an album to rival Arcade Fire’s Neon Bible, albeit a tripped-out hippy’s version. The lads have done well for themselves so far with countless Western Australian Music Industry Award (WAMi) nominations, winning six within the last two years of their four-year career, including 2005’s Most Promising New Act and Best Indie/Pop Act of 2006. With these merits in tow it’s only a matter of time before they break out of the outback onto our shores, and with an album like This Vital Chapter, it’s going to be very soon. So get your cork hats on and start calling your mother Sheila.

‘Sleepy Little Deathtoll Town’ is a sombre account of the Panda’s abode, masqueraded by the chirpy pipe of a brass ensemble. Lead singer, Damian Crosbie talks about ‘drunks in the parks in their brown paper bags’ and sailors picking up ‘any disease going round,’ giving a less appealing view of a place many of us wish to getaway to. Yet the cool melody accompanied by an enthusiastic chorus of voices re-ignite the sunset beach, and hypnotise you into a state of longing for escapement.

‘Ghosts Have the Best Time’ picks you off the floor and takes you to a psychedelic utopia. You will be forever humming its tune and probably be smiling at the same time. Its jumbled lyrics create an organised mess and an addictive one at that. This is a track where the Panda Band’s originality comes into its own, as there aren’t many songs where ‘over skip rope, heart attack, go crazy’ features.

‘Ride High in Your Saddle’ and ‘Eyelashes’ are two tracks where confusion reigns and spins you into a whirlpool of clashes. Alike some other songs on this album it is an advantage to have an open mind, as the height of activity in each track pushes you from side-to-side. Nevertheless you can’t stop yourself from bobbing your head and tapping your feet.

The closing song, ‘Signing Off (We’re Almost Not here)’ feels like a thumping intergalactic journey, with haunting vocals and drum rolls carrying the song through time and space. The staggered beats and use of violins add to the surrealism, yet once again you end up humming along to it. These guys sure know what they’re doing!

Being The Panda Band’s first album, it is important for them to discover their own niche and attitude musically, which I think you’ll agree is something they have done successfully. They are creating a new, fresh sound, which fits incredibly well between folk and indie. It will be interesting to see what they come up with next, as although original, they could fall into the trap of staying on the same level. However it can’t be denied they are an inspiration to other new bands out there who need a kick of originality. Each song releases summer-loving happy endorphins into your body. So lets all hug each other and be merry.