"While Wolfmother continue their world domination with their banging psychedelic prog rock, the Sand Pebbles go quietly go about their business as one of Melbourne's most interesting bands.

The Sand Pebbles mine a less macho, more introspective psychedelic vein, with Andrew Tanner's melancholic vocals caressing and ebbing in time with the sonic explorations aided by guests including Galaxie 500 and Luna frontman Dean Wareham and former Melbourne King of Pop Dave Graney, as well as a second guitarist, Tor Larsen.

While the Pebbles' music may hark back to a more innocent time, with shimmering detuned and manipulated guitars, rare pedals, synthesiser washes and multi-tracked horns creating a warm, widescreen soundscape, many of the lyrics deal with the sad current state of politics and music.

The title is all about being happy underground, underwater, while the chirpy Howard's End imagines a world without our prime minister. But, ultimately, their third album contains hope that music will help us through. Imagine Tanner handing you the album when he says: "Hold tight, we're off, someone's slipped something wonderful into our lives."

- Patrick Donovan