May 2023 – Noteworthy New Releases
Our favourite tunes of the month.
Words by Will Oakeshott
Running With Scissors – ‘Set Me Free’
“There is incredible power in the arts to inspire and influence” - Julie Taymor.
This quote from the American writer and director of theatre, film and opera could feasibly be engraved on a plaque in every arts hosting venue.
Adelaide alternative punk rock trio Running With Scissors appreciate this power. Imagine The Colour and the Shape-era Foo Fighters collaborating with Green Day just before Nimrod was conceptualised, and Billie Joe Armstrong had the sequel to the guitar solo of the 1989 track ‘Dry Ice’ ready for shredding.
If that inspiration translates, then welcome to Running With Scissors – although think of this as their frame and not their craft within.
The near three-minute number begs for the fist-pumping chant in the chorus, a swinging or bopping movement from onlookers and crowd surfing on repeat. There isn’t a sense of danger involved, more a deranged delight; yet with a recipe including the aforementioned heroic outfits, Running With Scissors could soon be a cut above many in the field.
Busseys – ‘Swear It Was True’
The recently released musical drama series Daisy Jones & The Six is based on the book of the same name by author Taylor Jenkins Reid; furthermore, its narrative is partly inspired by rock royalty, Fleetwood Mac. Undoubtedly the allurement of the production is the unsteady relationship between the lead singers, Daisy and Billy Dunne. However, the real charm of the storyline is the music created by the two main songwriters in skeletal form with just acoustic guitars and their notepads.
Imagine if you can, that a record was released featuring skin-and-bones versions of these fictitious hits, showcasing the discovery of the two artists’ chemistry and their poetic blossoming. Remarkably, you don’t have to look far, in fact Adelaide’s Busseys new single ‘Swear It Was True’ is just that.
This song is an unembellished and enchanting duet – an expression of refined indie folk with outward lyrical disclosures involving anxieties, flaws and overthought shared between vocalists Dan Holland and Stella Franklin. The stripped-down soft production acts as that sweet whiskey liqueur that warms the soul upon every sip. “Was it trust or do you believe?” Busseys ask in ‘Swear It Was True’.
Fleetwood Mac would probably answer it best with the lyrics ‘Believe in the ways of magic’.
Yorke Heath – ‘Take Me Down’
Upon listening to folk singer-songwriter Yorke Heath’s track ‘Take Me Down’, this scribe is instantly reminded of punk folk journeyman Frank Turner. Undoubtedly, there is a similarity in sound between the two, but as the idiom states, don’t just look at the surface. Below the sound, is the attitude and it’s here where the likeness lies. Frank Turner in his early solo days would simply pack a bag with his laptop and clothes, CD-R demos and his guitar, then ride trains around the UK, performing at any venue that would host him. It’s during this time that his story-telling folk punk poetry found its heart and soul. Fast forward 17 years and it has now been shared with millions.
While not necessarily punk driven, Yorke has this story-telling heart and soul. His single recalls teenage memories, painful recollections and scars, but most importantly the song advocates resilience – an inspiration to carry on through the darkness that is frankly beyond infectious. The ‘light’ moments are found with tender piano inclusions and Mr Heath’s anthem-building power.
Yorke Heath discovered the story-telling heart and soul without the train ride. Frank Turner, your next Adelaide appearance will require a support act – correct?
Slowmango – ‘Ride On, Brocoly Cowboy’
There’s no denying the historical significance Peter Gabriel has had on the music world. It could be argued though, that his self-titled albums from 1980 and 1982 are of the most noteworthy acknowledgments in his exploration of sound. These LPs embraced the worldbeat genre and helped bring that fusion to success.
Over four decades later, these integrations are welcomed and celebrated, and in South Australia, Slowmango are integral to the movement. The six-piece has country-pop-rock DNA, but they bring saxophone, afro-heartbeat drums, vibraphone and North African derived rhythm to their single, ‘Ride On, Brocoly Cowboy’. This amalgamation leaves those who witness the epic in a state of euphoric splendour. It surpasses the sense of hearing – it leaves people feeling this global harmony, practically transporting them to other continents.
The astonishing live emittance of the recording (the full-length was recorded live in an open sprawl room) adds a texture that creates a floating joyfulness. This music could be performed on a stage in front of thousands or at an intimate club in front of dozens – the spirit would remain the same.
Fun fact: Peter Gabriel established the WOMAD festival in 1982. Here’s hoping Slowmango could ‘Ride On’ this festival worldwide...
