The Refreshments- Fizzy Fuzzy Big & Buzzy

This is the debut album from The Refreshments. It was released in 1996, four years after they formed.

Things kick off with Blue Collar Suicide, which is pretty generic 1990s rock. Not really inspiring, but I guess it's fine for an opener.

European Swallow is raises the bar by revealing the band's talent: a strong sense of attitude in the vocals. As in "you've got an attitude problem, son"! Somehow I really enjoy getting into this mood while listening, with the tongue firmly planted in cheek. Having said that, unfortunately I find European Swallow to be musically quite bland.

But Down Together and Girly both hit the nail on the head, and I'm not really sure what makes the difference, compared to European Swallow. Maybe it's the non-sequitur lyrics. Maybe because they're more similar to Banditos...

Ahhh... Banditos. The sole reason I purchased this album, and still a massive drawcard for me. It has the aforementioned attitude (I really like the random grunts througout!) and oddball narrative in spades. It's topped off with some super-catchy pop hooks and a great singalong chorus. Fantastic.

The album takes a more melancholy approach from here on, and it isn't my cup of tea. However, I'm always a sucker for an off-beat guitar, so of course I really like Mekong.

Favourite songs

Down Together, Mekong, Girly, Banditos

I diggit?

It's probably a case of "less is more" for me here. There's a handful of songs I enjoy here, but the other 8 or so songs often feel like eating one's veggies in order to get to the dessert. On the other hand, I bought this on the strength of Banditos alone (it's on one of my favourite car tapes), so any enjoyment found in the rest of the album is probably a bonus.