CD Reviews
‘Been Listening’
Johnny Flynn
(Shock)
With a pleasant, slow-paced folk sound, Johnny Flynn introduces listeners to his second album to date. Featuring mournful vocals, sinking brass and sorrowful guitars, this release is more than a little melancholy. Fortunately for Johnny Flynn, the mix of blues and folk is enjoyable, and despite occasionally sounding as though he’s about to burst into tears, the album is beautifully crafted. Standout tracks include ‘Barnacled Warship’, which is a soothing, violin-laden audio ride, and ‘Kentucky Pill’, which introduces the listener to the emotive experience to follow. Sounds a bit like an apocalyptic Cat Stevens.
‘Obadiah’
Frazey Ford
(Shock)
If banjos make you smile and feel warm and fuzzy inside than this album is for you. With a dry, soothing voice, Frazey Ford has created a folk album with enough soul to cool the warmest beans. Sounding a bit like Joanna Newsom, Frazey Ford keeps things pretty mellow throughout the entire album. Despite falling into a bit of a lull around track three, the album as a whole is an enjoyable compilation of smooth guitars, passionate singing and the occasional tweeting bird noise. All in all, this release is decent, though probably not a good idea if you’re aiming to party through the night.
The Blue Monkey
‘It’s A Shame About Gemma Ray’
Gemma Ray
(Bronzerat Records)
UK’s Gemma Ray takes on Mudhoney, Buddy Holly, Etta James, Gershwin, Alex Harvey and more in her latest release. An eclectic chapter of covers, this album was loosely put together in the five days spanning Christmas and New Year’s Eve, 2009. Placing a dark twist on most of these classics, Ray says most of the songs on the album were covered by how she remembers hearing them, not necessarily by how they were. Track three, ‘Ghost On The Highway’, is my favourite, partly due to a fascination with Jeffrey Lee Pierce and the Gun Club. Other notable covers are track nine, which sees the lyrics of Sonic Youth’s ‘Drunken Butterfly’ set to the music of ‘Rosemary’s Baby’, and track 15, a nice dark and brooding take on Billie Holiday’s ‘I’m Gonna Lock My Heart’.
Danielle Golding
‘I Believe You Liar’
Washington
(Mercury/Universal)
Megan Washington has gained quite a following since releasing her first EP ‘Clementine’ with her appropriately-named band Washington. The group has followed through with an amazing debut album, ‘I Believe You Liar’, which has indie, blues and jazz sounds, but is ultimately pop at its best. The Brisbane singer/ songwriter has a voice like no other and plays piano with fierce passion and talent to boot. The 12 tracks fluctuate from infectious-yet-witty songs such as the popular ‘Rich Kids’ and ‘Sunday Best’, to nostalgic ballads like ‘Underground’. ‘I Believe You Liar’ leaves you in wonder that such a polished and complete piece of work is the first album of a 21-year-old.
Sam Seljak
‘By Limbo Lake’
Seabellies
(Sony)
With enough warm, fuzzy feelings emanating from this compilation to quash a raging bear, Seabellies have created a masterpiece of alternative rock. Known for their frenetic live shows and incredible talents with all instruments under the sun, the band has come along way since its humble beginnings in Newcastle. Cruising guitars and beautiful vocals litter this album, with layered drumming and groovy electronics creating a well balanced, yet seemingly spontaneous sound. Certain to inspire much dancing and general tom-foolery, ‘By Limbo Lake’ is a well crafted, highly recommended piece of musical madness.
The Blue Monkey
‘The Umu’
Koolism
(Invada Records)
As veterans of the Australian scene, there is a certain degree of expectation wrapped up in a new Koolism album. Hau and Danielsan certainly deliver with their fifth full-length offering, ‘The Umu’. As the automated lady-voice at the end of ‘Hanz High’ declares: “now, the time of silence is over”. There isn’t a disappointing track throughout. Danielsan is in superbly fresh form with the synths and 808’s while Hau flexes his immense skill throughout. The highlight would have to be ‘Get Free’, a tune inspired by a Black Thought line. Hau is joined by his cousin Uli, Solomon Theta as well as a crew of ‘freedom writers’ at the conclusion giving their interpretation of what it means to be free. Danielsan provides one of many headnodders featuring some understated drums and a simple but funky bassline. Released September 3, ‘The Umu’ will go down as one of the year’s very best without doubt.
Certified Scribe