In 2025, where everything either feels like a bin fire or no one can seemingly get along with anyone else, there always has to be a space for art that doesn’t take itself too seriously, while allowing those who consume it to have an unfettered experience when indulging in it. And honestly, this is exactly what Playlunch has managed to achieve here on Sex Ed. An album that is as fun from front-to-back as you could hope, it’s the eleven songs of this year you didn’t know you needed in your life until just now.
As the band’s second album, Sex Ed continues to lean into the bogan funk sound Playlunch has crafted over the past handful years as a band. Following on from 2023’s Who’s Ready For A Good Time?, Sex Ed feels like an album crafted by a band willing to have a great time about the mundane things in life, all the while embracing the absolute shit show that comes with being a younger person trying to make their own way in the world.
Opener “Get Around It” is the epitome of what Playlunch and Sex Ed are: a four minute party filled with horns, a dance break, a rapped bridge and a closing minute that will undoubtedly go off in a live setting. “Get Around It” could be the party song of 2025. Never taking themselves too seriously, much of the album feels tongue-in-cheek, with “Cool Math Games” rising to the top of this pile. Leaning heavily into the bass, “Cool Math Games” feels a little like an autobiography from the band, as they spend much of the track talking in third person about themselves. It’s odd but refreshing all the same.
Released as a single, the front half of “Station Rat” is as close Playlunch could get to sounding like early Red Hot Chilli Peppers without purely covering them. A comment on the characters we’ve all experienced on public transport (as someone who frequents the Western Line of Sydney’s train system, this is a regular experience for myself), “Station Rat” hits a little too close to home (this isn’t a bad thing though).
“Boys” feels like a lived experience for every young male (or female) in their early 20’s; you’re out on the town looking for a good time, drinking the night away, doing your best to burn through the limited cash you’ve got in your account. “Boys” feels like the type of track that will fit nicely in the middle stages of a live show, with some choreographed dance moves busted out for good measure.
The middle stages of Sex Ed breeze by, with the title track and its early 2000’s horn doing a lot of heavy lifting, as it touches on the one class everyone in an Australian high school remembers. “Le Snack” (a god-tier lunch box treat) continues the all-too-fun vibes of the album, while “Boyfriend” stays within the halls of high school, as the band profess their love for a passing crush. Playlunch manages to encapsulate an all too real experience for any person who’s ever had the privilege of attending an Australian high school.
Second to last on Sex Ed is “Real Estate”, a genuinely brilliant take down and reflection on probably the most despised occupation in the country. As someone who is currently dealing with real estate agents and their ineptitude, the commentary on the track, while humorous, feels a little too real. With a choir of sorts appearing throughout the chorus and bridge, “Real Estate” is a nice break for Playlunch as they show their, for the lack of a better word, tender side. It’s a great track that risks being lost in the backend of the album.
Closing out the album is “Keith”, the most fun a song has had in recent years dropping the c-bomb. With its party guitar, rapid chorus, exemplary horns and bass that will melt your face, “Keith” is the heater this year has been waiting for. With a subtle nod to everyone’s second favourite Channel 9 journalist Tracy Grimshaw, I genuinely look forward to seeing this live and take over playlists in the coming months.
Australia has a rich history in embracing bands that deliver a tongue-in-cheek brand of party music. From TISM to Client Liaison, Playlunch feels like they’ve found a perfect niche in the Australian music landscape that will serve them well now and into the future. Sex Ed is light hearted and honest; something we can all embrace a little more of if we’re being honest with each other. If you’re after an album you don’t have to overthink and have pure unadulterated fun listening to, then this is the album for you. It won’t disappoint.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Sex Ed from Playlunch will be released tomorrow (22.8.25) – you can pre-order and pre-save it HERE
Playlunch head out on a national tour this September in support of Sex Ed. For more information on the album and the tour, head here.
Fri 5 Sept – Lion Arts Factory – Adelaide, SA – 18+
Sat 6 Sept – The Rosemount Hotel – Perth, WA – 18+
Fri 12 Sept – The Triffid – Brisbane, QLD – Lic/AA
Sat 13 Sept – Manning Bar – Sydney, NSW – Lic/AA
Fri 19 Sept – 170 Russell – Melbourne, VIC – 18+
Header image credit: ISKA Photography
