'Time To Let Go' - Intercooler [album review]

INTERCOOLER – Time To Let Go (Plus One Records)

Written by Krissi Weiss

Formerly Brisbane and now Melbourne-based, indie pop-rock band Intercooler have finally found the time to release album number three.

With nearly nine years passing since their inception, prolific isn’t the first word that comes to mind for this band but when they do manage to get into the studio, they always seem to reappear with something close to gold.

The line-up has had a reshuffle with bassist Joel Potter and vocalist/guitarist Phil Ballantyne reuniting with the band's original guitarist, Michael Caso. Drummer, Damon Cox, has departed to focus on An Horse full time, replaced by Peabody’s Graeme Trewin. Singer-songwriter Chrissie Trubuco rounds out the new line-up, cementing the bands wistful pop sound. The album combines airy guitars with a gentle electronic texture and while there is the occasional moment of grit (as in the end of 'Packet For Paris'), 'Time To Let Go' is firmly rooted in indie pop sentiment.

'War & Peace' sees Trubuco join Ballantyne on lead vocals for the first time on the album and she really augments the melodic choices of Ballantyne. Throughout the rest of 'Time To Let Go', she dutifully fills the role of the perfect harmoniser.

There is momentum in the rhythms but nothing seems rushed and the groove is always in the pocket with 'The Trumpet Song' and the title track perfect illustrations of this. There is a ‘60s vibe to the entire album and comparison will be made to all of the usual suspects so I needn’t bother. Despite the fact Intercooler seem to come and go from prominence, 'Time To Let Go' is sure to reaffirm their place as pop-rock aficionados.

This article was originally published at http://www.ravemagazine.com.au/