I’ve always had a soft spot for “down underground” indie rock: the New Zealand Dunedin scene of the Chills, the Clean, and the Bats, alongside Australian greats like the Triffids, Sunnyboys, the Go-Betweens, and the Church. When Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever emerged in the mid-2010s, it felt like a dream for people like me — songs such as “French Press” and “Talking Straight” honored the aforementioned legacy but with a modern twist. A sparkling fire that felt older than it was.

After three excellent full-lengths, they’ve finally returned after four years of silence. And honestly, what else is there to say but: Welcome back, mates!

“Sunburned in London” (wait, what?) stretches close to seven minutes of pure RBCF bliss — dreamlike and jangly, effortlessly catchy, cool and poetically rich. From London to New York, Tokyo, Oslo, and finally Melbourne, they sketch a global travelogue, capturing the vibe and essence of each place just perfectly.

Sunburned in Oslo
Glass towers gleaming
In the brilliant views
Expensive blues
In secret harbours
Teens try mischief
But it gets harder
When the midnight sun
Shines down
Down on everyone

Add that one to the next Joachim Trier movie!