The Lollies
Bang Bang Bang! Lookout Lookout Lookout!

The Lollies are purveyors of deliciously danceable bubblegum pop. None of the songs on this 5-track EP stray much beyond the 3 minute mark, and combine smart indie (Dandy Warhols, Sleater Kinney), with 60’s garage guitars, retro organs and breezy harmonies.

Another high point is Kate St Claire’s lyrics, which are witty and sarcastic without being bitter.

Choice is ‘(Be my) Bad Boyfriend’, in which she narrates a tale of running off with a rebel, who then gets into politics, which ends with them sitting around waiting for their welfare checks and ‘’Washing dishes for the MC5’’. The song is a gem too, sweet and instantly memorable.

Even if this doesn’t appeal to you, every house in the country should own this because of their cover of Travis’ ‘’Why does it always rain on me?’’.

Possibly as a reply to the band’s appropriation of Britney Spears’ ‘Hit Me Baby One More time’’ and turning it into an indie torch song, The Lollies have taken Travis’ biggest hit and turned it into an insanely upbeat, catchy slice of joy.

This is the first time a Travis song hasn’t aroused feelings of stupor or dull resignation in me, and it’s wonderful.