Melbourne indie rock outfit The Belair Lip Bombs are gaining international attention with the release of their second album, "Again." The four-piece band has signed with Third Man Records, the influential label founded by musician Jack White, marking a significant step in their career.
The album, which follows their 2023 debut "Lush Life," showcases a refined and melodic sound that has captured the interest of a global audience. Currently on a North American tour, the band is navigating the transition from a local Melbourne act to an international touring artist.
Key Takeaways
- Melbourne band The Belair Lip Bombs have released their second album, "Again."
- The album is their first release under Jack White's prestigious label, Third Man Records.
- The band's sound has evolved, moving towards a more precise and melodic indie rock style.
- They are currently on an international tour, with dates across North America, Europe, and Australia planned.
From Local Stages to an International Deal
The Belair Lip Bombs—comprising Maisie Everett, Jimmy Droughton, Daniel Devlin, and Mike Bradvica—originated in Frankston, a suburb of Melbourne. Their formative years were spent playing at Singing Bird Studios, an all-ages venue that served as a crucial hub for the local music community.
"It’s pretty important for new bands that are coming up," drummer Daniel Devlin said of the venue. He noted that before such spaces existed, musicians often had to move to central Melbourne to find opportunities to perform.
The band's early EPs, such as "Songs To Do Your Laundry To," had a looser, noisier feel. However, a significant shift occurred with their debut album, "Lush Life." Vocalist and guitarist Maisie Everett credits this evolution to personal growth and new life experiences.
"I was growing up a bit – transitioning from being a teenager to being in our 20s," Everett explained. "People in the band were getting into relationships and going through breakups and we all did a lot of travelling."
Crafting a New Sound with 'Again'
For their second album, The Belair Lip Bombs dedicated more time to refining their songs in the studio. This meticulous process resulted in the clarified and intense sound heard on tracks like "Again and Again" and "Price of a Man."
A Unique Melbourne Sound
While Melbourne is known for its post-punk and art-rock scenes, The Belair Lip Bombs carved their own path. Everett's early influences included American pop-punk and classic 90s bands like Pavement, while the band collectively bonded over mid-2000s indie rock that found mainstream success.
To help guide the recording process, the band collaborated with Joe White of Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever. Everett noted that his involvement was crucial for maintaining perspective during long studio sessions.
"It was just nice having him in the room to support us – to build a bit of confidence in the band... Having a fifth person there to round everything out really helps."
Devlin added that White's presence helped ease the pressure of creating their first record for a major international label.
The Third Man Records Connection
The band's partnership with Third Man Records began at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas. According to Devlin, the label stood out because its team was genuinely passionate about the music, a contrast to other labels that seemed more focused on streaming numbers and marketability.
Album Release: The Belair Lip Bombs' new album, "Again," will be released on October 31. The band is touring Europe until December, followed by dates in Australia and the US in 2026.
Signing with an international label like Third Man Records provides a significant platform for an Australian band looking to reach audiences overseas. This new level of support has fueled the group's ambitions.
A Future Focused on Music
While the band members still hold down jobs in Melbourne, the new record deal has shifted their perspective. "Something shifted with the Third Man stuff and the new record – we’ve all got a bit more ambitious and more invested," Devlin stated.
The goal is to avoid any future regrets. "We want to give it as much of a shot as possible, because we don’t want to regret not giving it a proper crack," he added.
Everett has long viewed music as a potential career path, and this opportunity represents a major step toward that goal. For now, the band is focused on their extensive tour schedule while remaining based in their home city.
"We’ve been living in Melbourne so far … and everything’s sort of worked out!" Everett said, reflecting on their journey from a suburban studio to a global stage.