Local Review: Vinyl Koala – Vinyl Koala

Vinyl Koala
Vinyl Koala 

Self-Released
Street: 11.25
Vinyl Koala = The Beach Boys + The Psychsomatics 

True to their name, Vinyl Koala is meant to be experienced through something more than the digital soundscape. Their four-track, self-titled EP is full of guitar that keeps you hooked; drums create the foundation of a rich sound and basslines remind you of how good a bassline can be. That’s it—aside from some effect pedals and bits of synths, the dreamscape of Vinyl Koala comes from a stripped-back rock sound.

Even without vocals, Vinyl Koala doesn’t struggle to bring a full musical experience to the album, each track bringing something new. The album is psychedelic and dreamy but doesn’t get too lost in itself. It’s a great place to start for a pysch newbie who might not yet be ready to dive into the 20-minute plus jams of the Grateful Dead or jam rock of Widespread Panic. The West Coast–beach vibes littered throughout the EP, especially in “Brian Jones” and “Surf Song,” make this album an easy listen that won’t put you to sleep. If you’ve been looking for something chill and engaging, Vinyl Koala’s got something waiting for you. 

The band has a fantastic habit of keeping you hooked. Just when you think they’ll lose you, a great lead riff will draw you back, falling comfortably against the drums and cymbals blanketing the background. You’ll be listening, start to focus on something else and drift away, when suddenly “Surf Song” transports you into a world of overlapping, interlocking sounds three quarters of the way through. It builds and builds until—CRASH! The cymbal brings you right back down to the original melody. It’s satisfying as hell, and Vinyl Koala does it well. 

It’s hard to pick a favorite from Vinyl Koala, but “Olympic White” stands out to me. It starts off differently than what’s heard before, darker in tone and a bit slower in tempo. The repetition of sounds becomes a predictable, enjoyable experience that gradually grows. This track feels the most abstract, and it’s fantastic working music. 

Vinyl Koala feels like flipping a record—you’re already satisfied from the first side but excited to experience what’s next. They’ll definitely be on my playlists, and I can’t wait to see what else they put out. –Jude Perno