This new Brisbane seven-piece, made up of—inhale—lead vocalist Jess Archibald, guitarist Heath Huelin, pianist Dan Coleman, bassist Ky Fulwood, drummer Matt McDonald, flautist Matilda McEwan (finally, a band that explores the untapped potential of the flute in indie rock music), and trumpeter Mitch Bell—exhale—have crafted an enjoyable debut with heaps of personality.

Spanning seven tracks, Hills Hoist, released late March, mainly explores loneliness. ‘Termites’ is a joyful sounding song with affable melodies but the lyrics reveal a deeper melancholy: the singer’s only connection with others is with the insects that have infested her house. “I’ll never be alone again with termites in the wall, they don’t try to talk to me, I don’t bother them at all,” she confesses in the chorus, but not in wallowment—rather a real energy and vigour, as if it’s not a big deal. In ‘Oh No’, the lyricist is stuck not knowing how to move forward after losing someone; the more glum ‘3:15’ shows a desperation to know what’s happening on the other side (“When people ask about me, do you cringe when you hear my name?”).

Creating a cohesive sound could have been a difficult task with seven talented musicians in one room, but that struggle doesn’t show on this record. Because despite the band’s name, this EP does not sound too full. Each song flows naturally and despite the many instruments, they aren’t overpowering, and each are given space to shine.

For example, in ‘Oh No’, flute compliments the verses, whereas the chorus belongs to the trumpet, and the bass guitar and keyboard have some fun interplay in the bridge. This gives the listener more time to appreciate each player, and keeps songs interesting as they progress. ‘Rain’ might just be my favourite though. It’s such a joyful symphony of sound—delicate piano replicates the pitta-patting of rain on the rooftop, joined by flute and horn which exudes such emotion.

I can’t wait to see where Still Full From Lunch go from here, and I’d love to catch them in Wollongong some time soon!