Lime Cordiale

Since releasing their debut EP three years ago, Sydney’s Lime Cordiale have been synonymous with the Australian summer. Think road trips, rivers and bars in small towns. Their work is nostalgic in a way that particularly appeals to millennials, probably because – as they access the band’s music using the internet – it makes them long for a time when music wasn’t discovered by using a computer screen. On their new EP Road To Paradise, the band continues to run with that aesthetic, only with more precise pop songwriting than ever before.

Opening track “Spider Legs” is quintessential Lime Cordiale: catchy, lively and individualistic. “I need to have my lonely time / and I’m not one of those lonely guys” sings Leimbach, setting the scene for the rest of the EP. The mood of liberation is perhaps most present in lead single “Not That Easy”, a track that encapsulates the process of becoming carefree. While all of the band’s songs are worthy of road-trip playlists, this one is especially fitting: the video for the track even documents the band on a road trip (and, at one point, riding seaways).

Even though the band isn’t overtly political, they still dole out criticism: on “Other Ties” (the song from which the EP title is drawn), Leimbach sings of a person going the wrong direction on the “road to paradise”. Sonically, the track is reminiscent of early 2000’s indie rock, and the percussion is a highlight. “Good From Far” follows in the same vein and also sounds nostalgic, with a 70’s feel complementing the accusatory lyrics, “You’re good from far / but it’s far from good”.

The last track on the record, “Feel Alright”, has all the makings of a summer hit and a dreamlike interlude that makes it replay-worthy. It sees the band doing what they do best: writing an unpretentious, catchy pop song. Because of their pop sensibilities, it’s difficult to understand why the band isn’t more well-known than they already are – Road To Paradise is a lot of fun, and it’s effortlessly likeable.

Review Score: 8.2 out of 10. - AU Review

Spiking punch bowls with their zesty mix of indie pop, Sydney’s Lime Cordiale have always been the perfect party starters. So, with the sunny season about to hit, the five-piece are serving up their third EP Road To Paradise to kick off your Summer shenanigans.

Despite stepping up the dance grooves, the Lime Cordiale frontmen and brothers Oliver and Louis Leimbach reckon their latest record is darker than their old stuff. Muggy and moody, it explores the struggles we face in life and relationships, but does so with the sun beaming down at all times. With six pop infused tracks sprinkled with a few rounds of grimy roots, the five-piece have really honed in on their sound and made it bigger and bolder.
Produced by Jean Paul-Fung (Jinja Safari, Art Vs. Science, Glass Towers), Road To Paradise sees the lads squeeze out this fresh new sound. Opener Spider Legs is a web of creeping keys and crawling vocals, and is probably the darkest tune on the EP. Meanwhile, single Hanging Upside Down gets the party started. Pouring out their boisterous brand of pop, this tune is dripping in feel-good vibes with its raucous chorus of scorching vocals and roaring piano chords.

As for the ultimate hot season jam, infectious electro-pop single Not That Easy wins hands down. Ramping up the dancefloor grooves with its catchy hooks and Leimbach’s drawling croon about relatable relationship struggles, it’s a sweltering tune you can’t help but fall for. Easily the EP’s most melancholy track, Good From Far, then simmers down the mood. With a late-night beat that builds to an onslaught of whisky-soaked vocals and dirty guitar lines, it’s one woozy nugget you can really sink your teeth into.
Serving up a zestier sound, Lime Cordiale’s latest tracks have Summer written all over them. Dripping with sunshine, the band have infused their tunes with upbeat riffs and moody themes to create a spicy punch bowl of sounds and feels. With Road To Paradise out November 27 through Chugg Music, the lads are then taking their tunes on tour. Sure to be an endless blast of sun-drenched bangers, it’ll be the perfect way to kick off your Summer. - hhhhappy