The underground music scene in Melbourne is known for its eclectic mix of sounds, where bands are unafraid to experiment with genres and textures. The split 7″ release between Speed Mullet and Lunar Lagoon encapsulates this spirit perfectly, offering a glimpse into the contrasting yet complementary worlds of garage punk and dream pop.
Speed Mullet’s contribution, “Sleepyhead,” opens the record with a jolt of raw energy, a blast of mid-tempo punk rock that feels like a caffeine shot to the veins. This band sounds superb from scratch to finish by blending the gritty aesthetics of garage punk with melodic indie sensibilities. On “Sleepyhead,” they dial up the abrasion without losing their knack for catchy hooks. The guitars are fuzzy and unrefined, like sandpaper scraping against the eardrums, yet there’s an underlying groove that makes the track irresistibly anthemic. It’s a bit like The Dinosaur Jr. meeting Franz Ferdinand—melodic but with an edge that feels just the right amount of dangerous. The vocals, delivered with a casual, almost slacker-like drawl, have a nonchalant charisma that draws you in even as the lyrics, dealing with the exhaustion of modern life, hit close to home. There’s a push-pull tension in “Sleepyhead” that keeps you on your toes, a juxtaposition between the abrasive instrumentation and the undeniable melody that worms its way into your brain. Speed Mullet manages to capture the feeling of being at a dingy club, half-drunk on cheap beer, nodding along as the band tears through their set with a reckless, invigorating, and nostalgic abandon. It’s a track that doesn’t just get stuck in your head; it clings to your psyche like the smell of cigarettes in your clothes after a night out.
Then, there’s Lunar Lagoon with “Miniskule,” the perfect counterbalance to Speed Mullet’s frenetic energy. Where “Sleepyhead” charges at you with all the subtlety of a bull in a china shop, “Miniskule” invites you to drift off into a dreamscape where time slows down and reality blurs at the edges. Lunar Lagoon’s music is a hypnotic blend of indie rock, shoegaze, and dream pop, and “Miniskule” is a prime example of their ability to create immersive, intimate, and expansive soundscapes. The guitars are awash in reverb, creating a shimmering wall of sound that envelops you like a warm blanket on a cold night. It’s as if My Bloody Valentine had decided to make a record with DIIV, the result being an ethereal and grounded sound, familiar yet otherworldly. The vocals on “Miniskule” are soft and breathy, almost as if they’re floating above the music rather than being an integral part of it. There’s a sense of melancholy in the delivery, a wistfulness that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable. The lyrics, though hard to discern through the layers of reverb and delay, seem to touch many emotions that are beautifully mirrored in the music itself. The moderate beats provide just enough structure to keep the track from drifting off completely, grounding the listener even as the rest of the music lifts them into the clouds. It’s a song that begs for repeated listens, each playthrough revealing new layers and textures that you might have missed the first time around.
As a split release, the pairing of Speed Mullet and Lunar Lagoon might seem odd at first glance, but the juxtaposition of their styles is what makes this 7″ so compelling. Speed Mullet’s “Sleepyhead” is all about raw, unfiltered energy—a sonic gut punch that leaves you reeling. In contrast, Lunar Lagoon’s “Miniskule” is a soothing balm, a track that invites introspection and offers a moment of respite from the chaos of the world. Together, these two songs create a narrative arc that feels complete and satisfying, taking the listener on a journey from the gritty reality of urban life to the dreamy escapism that music so often provides. The split also highlights the versatility of Melbourne’s music scene, showcasing how two bands can come from the same city and draw from the same cultural well yet create such distinct sounds. It exemplifies the creativity and diversity of the scene, a reminder that punk and indie can coexist and even complement each other in surprising ways. If Speed Mullet is the soundtrack to a wild night out, then Lunar Lagoon is the music you play as you walk home in the early hours of the morning, the city still and quiet around you, the world feeling just a little bit softer.
In terms of production, both tracks are beautifully crafted, with each band clearly understanding how to make the most of their respective styles. Speed Mullet’s “Sleepyhead” benefits from a raw, almost lo-fi production that adds to the track’s gritty charm, while Lunar Lagoon’s “Miniskule” is polished and lush, every layer of sound carefully placed to create a dreamy, immersive experience. The contrast in production styles only serves to enhance the overall experience of the split, making it feel like a complete package rather than just two songs thrown together on a whim. This split 7″ is a must-listen for fans of the Melbourne music scene and beyond. Speed Mullet and Lunar Lagoon may occupy different corners of the musical spectrum, but together they’ve created a release greater than the sum of its parts. “Sleepyhead” will leave you buzzing with its infectious energy, while “Miniskule” will lull you into a state of blissful introspection. It’s a perfect example of how two very different bands can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re a fan of punk, indie, shoegaze, or dream pop, there’s something on this split that will resonate with you. So, drop the needle on this one, sit back, and let Speed Mullet and Lunar Lagoon take you on a sonic journey you won’t soon forget. Head to Speed Mullet’s Bandcamp page for more information about ordering.
Thoughts Words Action 