Arriving just 18 months after Old Mervs’ self-titled debut, Carparks builds on the easy musical chemistry between childhood friends Dave House (lead vocals, guitar) and Henry Carrington-Jones (drums). Reuniting with producer Chris Collins, the Western Australian duo’s natural jangle evokes classic The Go-Betweens by way of current coastal bands like Hockey Dad. Their intimate two-piece setup invites us right into the songwriting, especially when House sings with an open rawness on the drum-less ballad “The Balcony Song” and the emotional alt-rock tune, “Old Friend”. There are folkier turns too, such as the MJ Lenderman-influenced “She Said”—including the vulnerable refrain “I need help”—and “The Hills”, featuring Kim Churchill. Those provide a notable contrast with the breezier songs here, showing that Old Mervs aren’t afraid to let their guard down in between their brighter moments.