7/10

For many artists, nostalgia is a comfortable place to hide. But Australia's Quiet as a Mouse uses it as a starting point instead. On his second full-length album 'Nostalgia is fine…but…', singer-songwriter Alex Moran looks backwards without becoming trapped there, crafting a record that acknowledges the pull of memory while refusing to let it dictate the future.

Across the album, he writes with the confidence of someone who has accumulated plenty of stories worth telling. Having lived across multiple cities and countries, there is a restless quality woven into these songs; a constant search for belonging, identity and connection. Yet rather than becoming weighed down by reflection, 'Nostalgia is fine…but…' constantly balances introspection with movement, ensuring that even its quieter moments retain an underlying sense of hope.

Musically, the artist at the helm draws comfortably from indie-rock, alternative, grunge, emo and folk-inspired songwriting without allowing any one influence to dominate. As a result, the album develops its own personality, moving effortlessly between shimmering guitar pop, emotionally charged rock and intimate acoustic passages, resulting in a distinctive yet succinct listening experience throughout.

Lyrically, this may be Moran’s most accomplished work yet. There is no unnecessary decoration or forced cleverness, just carefully observed reflections delivered with sincerity and emotional intelligence. His writing trusts us to fill in the gaps, allowing individual experiences to shape the meaning of each song. And that openness gives the album considerable emotional depth, making it easy to revisit and discover something new each time.

Perhaps most impressive is how cohesive the album feels despite its broad musical palette. Every track contributes to a larger emotional journey, creating an experience that is best appreciated as a complete body of work rather than anything else. The sequencing allows moments of urgency and reflection to complement one another, giving the album an almost cinematic sense of progression.

In all, 'Nostalgia is fine…but…' recognises that our memories shape us without defining us. Alex Moran has created an album full of honesty, melodic craftsmanship and emotional generosity that celebrates growth just as much as remembrance. It’s a significant artistic step forward for Quiet as a Mouse and a reminder that some of the most affecting records come from songwriters willing to embrace vulnerability without losing sight of the joy that still lies ahead.