Mmm, gelato. Soft and smooth, easy to eat, not to mention easy on the stomach. Plus, I don’t feel like I’m going to gain a tonne of weight or turn to gelato when it’s Valentines Day, Christmas, my birthday (I hate special events) or some dude rejects my friend request on Facebook. Is there something wrong with me? Drives to the nearest Cold Rock.

Just me and the Galati, and perfect Spring weather by Rainbow Bay’s glistening shoreline, A beach towel and Tinpan Orange’s third studio album, The Bottom of The Lake. The Melbournian indie act has featured some big names on their previous albums, including Pete Jones of Crowded House, with Renee Gayer even saluting the trio. Who else could they possibly draw into their simplistic folk stylings?

Well, on this album they’re on their own. And who needs prolific names to boost such atmospheric music, when they can easily stand on their feet with this beautiful album? This is Tinpan Orange finally proving to themselves they are a folk band who can, in their own right, make wonderful music, without the attachment of famous names (except for Harry Angus, of Cat Empire fame, who produced the album).

The message is simple enough, delivered by front-woman Emily and her brother Jesse Lubitz’s delicate vocal delivery. The lyrics are pretty; full of imagery, despair and vulnerability, yet still keeping listeners lulled into a lullaby of security, backed up by the variety of nostalgic instruments Tinpan Orange has at their fingertips. Violins, mandolins and guitars cushion the soft vocal delivery, a style that could be easily associated with café music.

This album could easily be on the shelves of many- a- Melbourne barista, which is a shame, because The Bottom of The Lake is more than a whored-out café record. It’s full of wonderful imagery and pretty tunes. “La La La” is a personal highlight, and the record, on the whole, provides a relaxing listen. Like gelato, the music is soft and beautiful, securing and instantly likeable.

Take a chance on this record. Drive down to the beach, get some Galati and plug your headphones in. Like the Italian ice cream, The Bottom Of The Lake certainly does make the world feel like a prettier and carefree place.

- Hannah Robertson