REVIEW: Skegss - Top Heavy

Fresh from their latest Europe and UK tour, and a big Australian tour, Skegss have come back regenerated with their newest release, the EP Top Heavy. The duo from Byron Bay, Australia, is well on their way to take over the surf and garage rock scene once again - and this time, the music also has a little bit of something something from bossa nova to give their songs a little musical twist. The drummer Jonny Lani and vocalist/guitarist/bassist Ben Reed have already proved to their fanbase that they are ready to push through the boundaries further, and this time round is no different.

The track 'Blood In The Sky' is surprisingly the only song that gives listeners the surf-rock sound of Skegss in the form of reverb-drenched electric guitars and slower melody. At the same time though, the song intertwines the energising surf-rock with the relaxed and melodic sounds of bossa nova, creating a very distinctive song that is memorable even after listening to the whole project.

The songs 'So Excited' and 'Ain't For The Faint', on the other hand, are both absolutely closer to the rock side of things, introducing a different perspective into the use of guitars and drums. Both songs are energetic and upbeat, and are a lovely feature since a number of the songs found here are slower in tempo. 'So Excited' especially features some well-executed backing vocals that add depth to the overall sound and melody, most notably when paired with the sharp snares found within.

Since the tempo of the songs has been mentioned, the slowest song of them all, 'State Of Hawaii', can not be forgotten. It's the opening track for the whole EP, and has also been released as a single. The song is set to capture the dream of escape from everyday stress and the laid-back nature of the titular seaside island, which can be found in the lyrics and melody, cleverly followed by a trumpet and backing vocals - as well as revisiting the previously mentioned elements of bossa nova once again.

The overall narrative of the EP is very typical of Skegss, which is always a great sign of a good project by this talented duo. Although many of the songs are slower, often using re-occurring rhythms, the Top Heavy EP still managed to pull together six unique tracks that are all interesting to listen to. It is a quick listen-through, which might be seen as a disadvantage as the listeners are likely to yearn for more, but nonetheless it is still a solid project that is set to find its way into the hearts of the band’s loyal fans. However, previous fans are not the only people who may enjoy this - this is also an EP for people who have just discovered this Australian powerhouse. In short, it's no wonder that this duo is rapidly taking over the stages of their homeland, as well the ones around the world.

Score: 8/10

Top Heavy was released on June 27th 2025 via Loma Vista Recordings.

Words: Katerina Stepanikova

Photos: Skegss