- Sydney’s Lime Cordiale have shown with their third EP, Road to Paradise, shamelessly sunny pop can also have a more mature and serious side. There’s still plenty of nostalgic '70's pop hooks, catchy riffs and fun melodies, but this is a bit moodier and heavier. Thematically, front men and brothers Oliver and Louis Leimbach, have dug in a little more, exploring the various struggles of life and relationships, all still with a summery back drop of course. This ever-so-slightly darker tone adds some depth to the record, something you probably wouldn’t have missed if it wasn’t there, but which has made the EP all the better with its addition.

Opener Spider Legs is a catchy start to what is, essentially, a very catchy record, laying the foundations for what is to follow. Not That Easy is about becoming liberated and carefree, it’s a standout on the EP and really demonstrates the subtle fusion of serious thematic undertones and sunny pop melodies. This subtly drops a little in the video for the song, which features the band on a road trip travelling through drought affected communities, highlighting their plight. This is by no means an empty gesture however, Lime Cordiale have played several shows in drought affected areas in support of various fundraising appeals.

Good From Far slows things down a little, it feels totally laid back, with plenty of '70's pop throwbacks, chilled vocals and a groovy reggae vibe. Feel Alright has everything you’d expect from a summer hit, though it’s catchy pop without all the usual pretensions. It’s nice to see that brass instruments still have a place in Lime Cordiale, it was always an element that set them apart from other bands in their genre space. Other Ties gives the EP its title, with Leimbach singing about a person going in the wrong direction on the road to paradise. Hanging Upside Down gets the dance party started, another notable element the band have stepped up this time around. It’s all about that roaring piano piano chorus and feelgood vibes exuded in the lyrics, though with a bit less of the afore mentioned brass section.

In some respects, Lime Cordiale has come the long way around: sure there’s been hype, but their successes are more the result of hard work and years of extensive touring, which have culminated in a strong and loyal fan base, rather than simply getting that coveted high-rotation radio slot. In a way, Road to Paradise is the payoff for all that effort. It’s catchy and fun, interesting and bound to add some extra oomph to their live repertoire. The EP is a triumphant new phase for a band only just beginning to realise their potential.

- Clare Armstrong.