It’s hard to believe that the cheerful sound of Bananagun is rooted in personal hardship. So vibrant and psychedelic on the surface, yet the wounds beneath occasionally seep through. On Why is the Colour of the Sky? (Full Time Hobby), it’s clear at times that not everything is as colorful as it seems in Bananagun’s world.
Some tracks drift off into introspection, tinged with melancholy, while others bristle with frenetic energy. The Australians are fond of laying down stumbling blocks—few songs stick to a steady groove. It’s challenging and demanding, often at odds with the upbeat foundation.
That foundation is rooted in Sixties psych. Compared to their 2020 debut The True Story of…, this album leans more heavily into jazz while scaling back the rock elements. A galaxy of instruments adds to the eclectic jams: flute improvisations? Check. Congas? Of course. A hulusi? Naturally.
Children of the Man is delightfully trippy—friendly, deeply hypnotic. Feeding the Moon could’ve been a calming presence but veers into restlessness. A highlight here is With the Night, expansive and emotional, staying grounded despite its improvisational nature.
Free Energy boasts a fantastic groove, while the two-part closer Wonder is nothing short of outstanding. While the album can feel a bit scattered, it’s a thoroughly engaging listen.
Bananagun – Why is the Colour of the Sky?: Jazz-infused psych with plenty of room for experimentation. – RIFL
