The Buoys’ debut album, Lustre, is the kind of raw, cathartic experience that only a band seasoned by years of gigging can produce. This Sydney quartet—Zoe Catterall on vocals and guitar, Hilary Geddes on lead guitar, Courtney Cunningham on bass, and Tess Wilkin on drums—has been on the cusp of something big for years, and with Lustre, they finally deliver on the promise of their early EPs.

Recorded live together, the album celebrates The Buoys as one of Australia’s hardest-working live acts. The energy of their performances is palpable throughout the record, giving it a sense of immediacy and urgency that’s often missing from more polished studio efforts. From the opening chords of “Subject A” to the closing notes of “Totally Completely Fine,” Lustre takes listeners on an emotional rollercoaster through the highs and lows of modern life.

“Subject A” is a standout track, hitting back at the male gaze with a defiant swagger that’s as empowering as it is catchy. Catterall’s lyrics are sharp and witty, packing a punch with lines like, “I’m not your subject A, I’m not here to play your game.” The song’s driving guitar riffs and pounding drums only add to its anthemic quality, making it a perfect opener for the album.

The band’s ability to blend influences from across the rock spectrum is one of Lustre’s greatest strengths. “Check Mate,” co-written with Alex Lahey, is a perfect example. It combines the meaty, Pixies-worthy guitar peals with a simple yet poignant message about checking in with friends. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to pick up a guitar and start a band, even if you’ve never played a note in your life.

“I Think I’m In Love With You” takes a darker, grungier turn, with Catterall describing the pain of rearranging her room so it doesn’t remind her of a lost love. The song’s brooding intensity is reminiscent of early 90s alt-rock but with a modern twist that keeps it from feeling dated. It’s followed by “Borders,” a lockdown-inspired track that channels the sharp-edged emoting of Camp Cope. The juxtaposition of these two songs highlights the band’s range and ability to tackle a variety of emotional landscapes.

One of the most surprising moments on the album is the radio-friendly ballad “Holding On.” It’s immediately followed by the punky shout-along refrain of “It’s Over” and the post-punk brooding of “BDSM,” showcasing the band’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles. While “Holding On” might be a bit too polished for some fans of the band’s rawer material, it’s a testament to their growth as musicians and songwriters.

Catterall’s most affecting lyrics come when she turns the lens inward, examining her own emotional turmoil. On “Keeping Busy,” she sings, “I’m finding some joy within all of the sadness,” capturing the bittersweet reality of grief and partnership. “Unstuck” references an “existential crisis” with a candour that’s both disarming and relatable, while “Totally Completely Fine” closes out the album with a wink and a nod, as Catterall quips, “I’ll tell her everything worked out just fine / But I’m lying.”

One of the most impressive aspects of Lustre is how it captures the band’s live energy. The decision to record the album live together was a bold one, but it pays off in spades. There’s a rawness to the recordings that makes it feel like you’re right there in the room with them, witnessing the magic as it happens. It’s a testament to their chemistry as a band and ability to feed off each other’s energy.

The Buoys’ journey to this point hasn’t been without its challenges. Personnel changes plagued the first half of their eight-year lifespan, but the current lineup has been steady since 2019, and it shows in the tightness of their performances on Lustre. They’ve honed their craft through years of relentless gigging, playing sold-out shows nationwide and supporting acts like The Dandy Warhols, Soccer Mommy, Wet Leg, and Ball Park Music.

Over the past year alone, The Buoys have shared stages with the likes of Arctic Monkeys, DMAs, IDLES, and Royal Blood. It’s clear that they’re no longer just hovering on the edge of a breakthrough—they’ve arrived, and Lustre is their triumphant declaration.

Lustre is out on 12 July

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