Australia has offered many outstanding acts to the music scene from Tame Impala, DMAS, Amyl and the Sniffers to INXS and Crowded House. Now it’s time for Radio Free Alice to have a go. The band first came to my attention with the release of the ‘Empty Words’ EP and the Usher cover (for better or for worse).

Formed in high school before moving to Sydney, Radio Free Alice consists of Noah Learmouth (vocals), Jules Paradiso (guitars), Michael Phillps (bass), and Lochie Dowd (drums). Live shows that are chaotic and explosive led to tours that left viagogo chasing tickets which featured six sell out gigs in London and three in New York City.

‘What’s In Between’ has more stamps on its passport than a CEO on business with Sydney, Connecticut and London taking turns to sculpt the album. Front man Noah states, “It’s a huge relief to finally announce the album. We’ve lived with these songs for such a long time, and they’ve become such a big part of our lives, so knowing there’s now a date when they’ll finally exist outside of us feels incredibly cathartic.” Single ‘Lunch Money’ has gained extensive praise from Rolling Stone, NME and Billboard creating the question, will the album catapult the band to the ears of the masses, or will it leave the turntable just as quick as it was put on?

Newest single ‘Crying With You’ provokes the feeling of having five too many and everything is moving fast around you. A bassline that screams for attention and the drums haemorrhage the speakers. Guitars keep a pace that leave you no option but to move. Vocals sound distant before crashing into your conscience.

Drums sound reminiscent of ‘Need You Tonight’ By INXS and lyrics ooze that Jarvis Cocker level wit and repressed nature “they found your pictures of girls in bikinis’. ‘Undressed’ encapsulates that awkward age of fourteen – fifteen when you don’t know what you’re doing, and you feel isolated. The brief introduction of keys shows the quick passing of the moment that many get hung up on.

Guitars lacerate through ‘Rule 31’ with a serrated edge. The vocals for the chorus are more mellow or regimented before a return to the usual. The bassline slowly creeps up and bashes you square between the ears. The drums give a showcase in the breakdown proving they provide the pace that the rest must match.

The titular track opens with an optimistic rhythm section, which the lyrics happily reflect ‘Won’t you give us a sign?’  The post punk influences are heavily reflected with a mix between Television and The Slow Readers Club being on display.

Guitars guide the drums through the swampy bass on ‘Kick In The Shins’. Affimation laden lyrics state ‘I keep hearing his voice on radio 1.’ The sense of being watched kicks in as the pace quickens. Backing vocals are consistent whilst the main vocals are erratic suiting the song perfectly.

Melancholy plucking opens ‘Big Ideas’ and the vocals know how to complement it. Matchstick like drumming and subtle bass allows the song to breathe. Rachel Brown’s voice works impeccably with Noah’s and the song, both oscillating past each other.

Jangly guitars and structured drums are at the forefront of ‘Lunch Money’. The whole song sounds very Smiths–esque with the lyrics being reminiscent yet fresh and the guitars speak for themselves. The bass and drums dance around and it’s no wonder the live shows go off.

‘Bottleshops’ attacks the idea of moving to a city and the isolation of it all. Guitars bash about creating the harshness the drums are usually known for. Backing vocals and vocals attack each other both competing to be heard.

Bass is at the forefront of ‘Four Leaf Clover’ bringing a groove to the album. Romantic in an eccentric way comparing your lover to a lucky charm. New Wave influences are written all over and the synths offer a retro feel.

Chirpy drums welcome in ‘The Intersection’ and bridges the gap between everything else. Positive guitars act as the anthesis of the lyrics which hint towards the day after a big night out or an anthem of doomed youth.

Guitars and bass slowly build up on ‘Waiting’ before everything kicks in. Vocals are more isolated and allowed to shine before the sea of guitars swallow them whole.

‘What’s In Between is an immaculate debut that highlights the band being untouchable. It’s not often a bass stands out and commands as much as it did across the album. Influences are heavily evident but combine to create something that’s not bound by time. ‘Four Leaf Clover’ is beautifully abstract and you can feel the love seep out. Noah’s vocals are unique and can’t be likened to any other without doing them a disservice. There’s no wonder everyone is talking about Radio Free Alice because they are bloody boss.

Radio Free Alice: What’s In Between – Out 30 October 2026 (Atlantic Records)

Free Alice – Crying With You (Official Video)