After a belting number of local shows over the past couple of years, and a highly successful 2014 EP A Million Hands, Adelaide trio Horror My Friend have finally released their debut album, Stay In, Do Nothing. It’s a solid punk-rock effort of ten tracks that further solidifies their position as one of the city’s and country’s) young rock bands to keep an eye on.

Sounding polished yet still punk, probably in part thanks to recording artist Jez Giddings at Melbourne’s Hothouse Audio (The Living End, Hunting Grounds), the album carries with it heavy riffs and distortion, arresting percussion and an all important lively bass throughout. Vocals are a standout being consistently sharp but warm; front man Josh Battersby’s voice bleeds so much character in what sometimes sounds like anguish, and at other times sounds like joy (think Dylan Baldi of Cloud Nothings meets Shane Parsons of DZ Deathrays). Actually, run with that comparison for pretty much the album itself. There’s definitely uniqueness to Horror My Friend’s persona, but there’s a definite influence of that 90’s garage/thrash/punk-rock feel throughout.

Heavy handed but precise guitars is spread thickly on Stay In, Do Nothing, with particularly delicious tracks Echoes, and album opener, Death Hill proving more of a good thing is a good thing. Like a good party, the album sounds messy but is tight where it counts. Every track has a slightly excited feel to it, but it’s never frantic or spirals out of control; once the head banging and breakdowns are done, everyone’s still standing and are magically back in their places. Good production and great musicians would be to thank for that. All this comes to a viscous climx, with final track PB Remains (personal best? Paddington Bear?) honing an almost Nirvana-like breakdown.

While it never really slows to a saunter to catch its breath, the 10-track album is all about the loud and grit. Aggressive, controlled but goddamn enjoyable, Stay In, Do Nothing is worth your time and your support of local band.