Album Review: Custard - Respect All Lifeforms

Let’s name those two room elephants first – it’s hard to hear Custard vocalist Dave McCormack now without also hearing Bandit from animated kids show Bluey; and it’s hard to not hear Custard and yearn to cuddle someone in a mosh pit back when we all had reasonable hair and waistlines.

This aside, new album Respect All Lifeforms is a cracker – recognisable without being derivative, and charming as fuck for old and new fans of the band alike. Opener Couple’s Fight reminds of old school Custard track Apartment in both attitude and glorious domestic-meets-rock focus, while the band’s old catchy wonder is delivered in Like People. Both are a bit too COVID-relatable, but also suitable escape tunes. Funky Again is what it says on the tin, while Watcha Waiting For keeps the same vibe with some of the lovely underdog-ness of old. Take The Skinheads Bowling is the track to hit ‘repeat’ on just for its sheer joy, and Talkative Town takes some fun synth detours with clever lyrics to support. Closer Come Tuesday brings it all home with a mellow meander, being just the right mixture of space and presence. A ripper of a collection and very worthy of your respect, indeed. Brisbane’s boys ride high again.