Finally, something new to talk about. Two reasons; one, because, by my own admission, I have been lost in nostalgia-dom - helplessly indulging with the ghost of albums past, and two, nothing new has really grabbed my attention.
That's not to say I haven't been trying. I listen to a lot of music (one of the perks of working at BudTrap) - my headphones get a solid 8 hour workout. Mostly it flows in and out of consciousness, a backing track to the thought process - and then, every so often - kerpow! - something hits you in the 'wow - who's that?' lobe/cortex. It's a "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship" moment.
I had one of those moments this week, listening to Bridezilla's aptly titled debut The First Dance. I'd briefly listened to the Sydney quintet's 5-track EP a year or so ago and, while impressed, had promptly reformatted the brain-space for something else. Not so this time - packing an impressive reputation for formidable live performances and coming off All Tomorrow's Parties appearances in both Aus and the US, The First Dance caught me pleasantly by surprise. Kerpow.
The Bridezilla sound is part ethereal, part classical, part eclectic rock. It is entirely beautiful; the seamless interplay of violin and saxophone (compliments of the annoyingly talented and classically trained Daisy Tulley and Millie Hall respectively) yielding an unusual yet strangely seductive aesthetic - an experimental eclecticism not unlike the instrumental excursions of Arcade Fire. Its music to have a moment to; turn the lights down and the stereo up and let the rich, textured melodies wash over you.
The First Dance is both expansive in vision and daring in execution, creating a unique fusion of classical musicality and modern pop sensibility. It reminds a little of Mercury Rev, softer Goldfrapp and Dirty Three - lofty company indeed. Yet the album flows with such understated effortlessness that you suspect this was no fluke - Bridezilla have staked their claim as enchanting and supremely talented craftsmen. Keep an eye on them.
About this column:
BudTrap was born out of our love of music - and the frustration of having to deal with headphones that kept getting tangled up. Nothing's changed. We still listen to an awful lot of music - and go to a stack of gigs; it's our passion. So each week we like to share a little about what we've been listening to - good or bad - and spread that passion. Yeah we get a bit opinionated and worked up, that's what it's all about. We encourage you to bite back, join the discussion and let us know what's been rocking your world.
0 comments:
Post a Comment