The Innocents - Teardrop Kiss (2018)

Tasmania’s The Innocents have previous form. In their original guise of Beathoven, they released one of the finest (and obscure) slices of 1970s power pop in ‘Please Don’t Go’ – check it out on YouTube if you don’t believe me!

The Innocents enjoyed some minor success in the early 1980s, notably with ‘Sooner or Later’ which became a hit in Australia. They split soon after, but after reforming in the early 2000s a limited edition CD compilation of their back catalogue No Hit Wonders From Down Under quickly sold out.

Now they are back with new album Teardrop Kiss, with all but one of the 13 songs written by founder member Charles Touber.

Catchy opener ‘Every Moment Matters’ sets the tone, oozing positive vibes and jangly guitars. Producer Michael Carpenter, a power pop maestro in his own right, gives it a contemporary sound. Quirky stormer ‘Change of Scenery’ evokes Jellyfish at their finest, while ‘Waiting’ has a Stonesy swagger and killer chorus. ‘You’re Not The Man’, penned by Rob Smith, is a harmony-drenched gem.

Existing fans of the band, and the power pop genre, should definitely investigate this improbable but impressive return.