Laurels-phobic sonic pugilist John Dwyer, and his band Osees, are back. Their mission? To bother our eardrums once more with album number 27. Following hot on the heels of 2022’s acclaimed A Foul Form, the latest from the group previously known as Thee Oh Sees (as well as many more monikers we don’t have room for), finds them moving away from skate-punk towards synths, melodies and new wave vibes.

Hailed by their leader as a pop record for tired times, Intercepted Message is a fun romp down memory lane, from a band who refuse to remain in one place for too long. Standouts include the catchy title track – which mashes up Devo hooks and Rocket From The Crypt horns – and the unhinged nursery rhyme ‘Blank Chems’. The gloomy, seven-minute ‘Always At Night’ is a welcome surprise too. While not everything hits the mark, Intercepted Message is still an enjoyable chapter in the group’s storied career.

7/10