ALBUM REVIEW: Pacific Highway Music – Skegss

Australian rock duo, SKEGSS, have put out their latest record Pacific Highway Music. The album itself is the band’s debut as a duo following the departure of bassist, Toby Cregan, last year, alongside new music since 2022. The record, according to lead vocalist, Ben Reed, is the first time the band has experimented with synthesizers and is meant to represent “the rollercoaster of emotions that come with being human.”

We hear a first taste of synths when we open with Tradewinds which has an intro that combines 80s synths with alternative rock, giving it a moody feel, before the song shifts into something livelier and bouncier. It feels like that of British indie-rock and has you picturing a scene where SKEGSS performs a midday set during a summer festival. Another fun moment where branching out on instruments and effects pays off is during I Think I Can Fly that opens with electronic sound effects that remind you of a retro video game theme. This is then mixed with a plucky, acoustic guitar that carries on until the full band comes in, yet still in a stripped-down style.

Granted, there is a moment where the synthesizers don’t appear to work on Stuck In Cheyenne where the sound effects is high pitched and can be unpleasant to hear, a shame really given the rest of the song is a solid alternative rock track with a fantastic bridge and guitar solo that lifts your spirits.

The only other criticism we have for the record is that there are a few moments where you can find yourself zoning out. It’s not often, but it’s enough for you to notice. Outside of this, the album is a solid alternative meets garage meets synths that can be fun as it can be relaxing and nostalgic. Other highlights from the record includes Aeroplane Heart, a fun, plucky track that has 60s surf rock vibes: Batten Down The Hatches, that opens with soft harmonies before shifting into something bouncier: and Kelly Heroes, a song that we find little words could accurately describe it outside of ‘beautiful’.

An alternative meets garage rock record that can leave you as relaxed as it can leave as happy and lively. Pacific Highway Music is a pleasant listen, and the perfect thing when you need something to soundtrack a calm afternoon where you sit back and do nothing.

Rating: 7/10

Pacific Highway Music is out now via Loma Vista Recordings. 

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