Any song with handclaps deserves a thumbs-up. There are too many bands who create precious, overwrought, music—the kind of art weighed-down by its own self-importance. In a live setting, there’s a preoccupation with self-indulgent improvisation over actual entertainment. And let’s not even get started about the shoegazing—if the band can’t get off on their own music, I’m not gonna be keen for it either.

Amidst the stress of university exam period and compounding deadlines at work, I’m not enthused about listening to a mopey song. If it should be anything at all, music should be a form of pleasure. Thankfully, with “I Don’t Know What To Do Any More,” Brisbane trio Screamfeeder inform their music with joyousness and the result is, dare I say it, fun. In a little over four minutes, the soul is reinvigorated by this pop/rock.

Dean Schwereb’s snare drum has a crispness of sound that propels the song, whilst Tim Steward’s vocal is commendably enthusiastic, possessing a sneer reminiscent of Liam Gallagher, minus the buffoonery. And, yes, the handclaps are fantastic. Granted, “I Don’t Know What to Do Any More” does falter into obviousness lyrically and musically. The build-up to the final chorus is as clichéd as it is exciting. And Dean, we get it, you just don’t know what to do any more. However, Screamfeeder’s performance is so effervescent that they get away with it. Passion will take you far.

The rumble and tumble of ringing chords and rollicking drum fills all point to the freshness of the music. Even more than any compositional element or musical technique, there’s an undeniable spirit in the song. At its core, “I Don’t Know What to Do Any More” reveals that even at the worst of times, there’s always a tune to make you feel better, a crash cymbal to release the anger, or a chord change to ease the pain. Sometimes, it’s all you’ve got.

[buy stuff here]