Auckland four-piece The Nightshades have been around for a while now, having earned their pedigree as parts Surf City, New Gum Sarn, Civil Union and Bargain Bin Laden. After amassing a group of songs, courtesy of vocalist and songwriter Dave Weir, the group recorded and assembled them as this debut album. The seven-song ‘Dope/Sick’ is packed with pieces of garage-y, psychedelic pop, laden with melodies and hooks. The title song starts brightly, like the best power pop, but has a fuzzed out guitar solo that makes it just that little bit heavier, while Favourite Quilt sticks so closely to the psychedelic jangle-pop tradition of the 1960s that I’m almost convinced I’m listening to something from the ‘Day In My Mind’s Mind’ compilations. Madman looks to the rhythms and distorted vocals-treatments of bands like Unknown Mortal Orchestra, with Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd-style harmonies and imagery giving a sense of sadness beneath the whimsical music. ‘Dope/Sick’ may be short, but it has some of the catchiest charming psych-pop songs I’ve heard in ages.