- At some point in between the release their debut LP, Novo's and their full length follow-up, Newcastle rock dog duo The Gooch Palms decided that life was most likely bigger than the confines of our island home. After years toiling away in Newcastle and several triumphant laps of Australia, Leroy Macqueen and Kat Friend packed their bags and loaded up to the goddamn brim with dreams and whimsy and went to the only sensible and logical place on Earth to make roll 'n' dreams come true, Hollywood.

150+ North American shows later and the migration has proved to be a remarkably successful one, their brand of low-fi, Ramones-esque, shit-pop going down an absolute treat with the weird and wonderful residents of Los Angeles. One million gross American beers later and L.A. has become their new home away from home. At one point the Gooch Palms were just chilling out with childhood hero for all, John Waters, like it was no thing at all. That's the surefire sign you know you're on the right path.

Second LP, Introverted Extroverts may have been two and a half years in the making but was hammered out in two short weeks on the other side of the U.S.. Recorded in Michigan, the Gooch Palms hunkered down in a legitimate recording studio, traded their usual beeros for caffeine and allowed their laser like intensity to take charge. The result: a more focused and extremely concise collection of music.

Introverted Extroverts was recorded by knob twiddler Bill Skibbe; a man who has previously worked with The Kills and the Fiery Furnaces and most definitely knows his way around feisty male/female duos. The recordings and production of the LP have the Gooch Palms sounding richer and grander than they ever have. Their once lo-fi beginnings now sound downright mid-fi, and unlike some bands that thrive on the hiss of the four-track, the Gooch Palms shine bright in the light.

As for Macqueen and Friend, they're still pumping out their infectious brand of joyous, bubblegum punk with as much vigour as ever. Deceptively simple pop songs quickly work their way under the skin and remain there. Short, sharp bursts of energy are woven around laboured, slow-burn, rock ballads. Whether it's harmonising or their call and response chorus, the Gooch Palms work best when working together, and on Introverted Extroverts, Leroy Macqueen and Kat Friend are a well lubricated machine.

The Gooch Palms never set out to re-invent the wheel, but despite their relatively consistent sound, continue to make smart tweaks and hone their songcraft. The songs on Introverted Extroverts scream with personality and showcase a lust for life and the human spirit. The Gooch Palms have reminded me, once again, that life is to be enjoyed, not spent rubbing glass in your eyes or pissing in your own mouth.

- Jay Edwards.