Bittersweet Demons

Bittersweet Demons is the fifth studio album by Australian garage rock band the Murlocs, released on 25 June 2021 by Flightless Records. The album has been described as garage rock, glam rock, power pop, and garage soul.

Background
The album is about the "people who leave a profound imprint on our lives". In general, the album has been noted for being very reflective on human nature. When asked about this, frontman Ambrose Kenny-Smith stated:"The whole concept for this record was to try and write about my family, friends and any other old acquaintances that made an impact on me throughout my life. I moved three times growing up so each song reflects on different parts of that journey. It doesn’t get much more personal than this! I hope everyone feels at just as much at peace as I do when listening to it."

Reception
Writing for Trouble Juice, Josseph Massaro enjoyed the record, calling the soundscapes on the record Harry Nilsson-esque and how the record revitalises the band's fuzzy and distorted stylings. Carmine Basilicata of Pancakes and Whiskey also enjoyed the record, feeling that the record was a fresh breath of air "in which every song sounds like the one that came before it", also stating that the record would fit in with bands such as the Strokes and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, seeing the album being played on a "modern college radio station". Basilicata also noted a possible Rolling Stones influence. Post-Trash's Conor Lochrie also liked the album, stating that it "courses on a long and winding path, each turn infectious and melodious. It's a soulful and rowdy record, rollicking and ballsy". Christopher Anthony of The Fire Note liked the record, saying that the entire record gave a "memorable foot tapping pace" and stating that cohesion and experience of the record elevate it to one of the best by the band.

Personnel

 * Ambrose Kenny-Smith – lead vocals, harmonica, percussion, keyboards, guitar
 * Cat Shortal – guitar, backing vocals
 * Matt Black – drums, backing vocals
 * Cook Craig – bass, guitar
 * Tim Karmouche – keyboards, guitar, vocals