The Medics Beggars

The Medics are a band who have had a buzz about them for some time now. Hailing from the picturesque North Queensland city of Cairns, the four young men (all in their early 20s) have been widely regarded as one of Australia's most promising bands, and after listening to their debut album Foundations it's very easy to see why.

After the 2010 release of the This Boat We Call Love EP, they have toured persistently while still finding time to complete Foundations. Having seen them perform live recently, I was blown away by their incredibly powerful show. Thankfully, their intensity, emotion and energy have transferred perfectly, with credit going to producer Yanto Browning who recorded the album.

This is an album which truly engages, tugging on numerous emotions throughout. First single "Beggars" begins proceedings with the Medics' trademark frenetic mix of distorted guitar and wall of dominant percussion. Lead singer Kahl Wallace's brooding vocals are just as prominent, often dropping to a breathy whisper before climaxing during soaring choruses. "Joseph" is just as gripping, goose-bump inducing stuff with Wallace bellowing over the top of a percussive collision. Current single "Griffin" uses those glittering guitar flares familiar with Temper Trap fans, while the album's final track "Golden Bear" is also a highlight -- especially the drifting vocal melodies during the chorus.

The Medics have often commented that they're still exploring exactly what their "sound" is, but they seem to be pretty close given the brilliance of Foundations. They've taken on all the expectations placed on them and more than lived up to them, incredible given the group's tender years. This is a truly brilliant album.