It’s incongruous to think that ‘Heads Up’ was only The Stems second full-length album released 20 years after their acclaimed debut ‘At First Sight – Violets are Blue’. Incongruous, not just because The Stems remain one of Australia’s most virtuous garage and power pop bands despite a playing and recording history that lasted a mere 4 years in the mid-1980s. But also, because ‘Heads Up’ is so pure, fresh and potent that it could have been recovered from recording sessions shelved at the height of the band’s original popularity.

Ten original tunes were recorded in Perth in earlier part of 2007 at the vintage recording compound of KingDom Studios and later mixed at Ultrasuede Studios in Cincinnati by producer John Curley (Afghan Whigs, Greenhornes & Ronnie Spector). ‘Heads-Up’ was well received by fans and critics alike and would reset the path for the band’s resurgence as live touring act.
Originally released on CD, ‘Heads Up” is available again on glorious vinyl in a limited-edition release through Cheersquad Records.

“A cracking collection” **** – Rolling Stone

“Pure, fresh and potent” – Patrick Emery, Beat Magazine – Album of the Week

“…jaw droppingly perfect” – Faster Louder

“Heads Up represents a fantastic return to the scene” **** – Steve Bell – Time Off