(Re)hash

(Re)capitulate
Laura
Alone Again, 2007
3.5 stars

I saw these guys play a gig late last year, and it was easily one of the best performances I saw in 2006. Following on the critical success of that series of shows, Laura have released this disc a beautiful, live stereo recording. Predominantly covering tracks from last year's excellent Radio Swan is Down, (Re)capitulate successfully captures all of the energy, thick atmospherics and spirited musicianship of a Laura gig. Radio Swan was a composed, polished gem, but (Re)capitulate sees the band letting their hair down and really feeding off the audience. If you can, see these guys live. If you can't, pick up this disc.

Artwork: C

Published in mX, Thursday 29 November 2007.

Paddle-Pop

Gospel Ambitions
Soft Tigers
Below Par, 2007
3 stars 2.5 stars

Released on cassette earlier this year, Gospel Ambitions is this Sydney DIY, pop, post-punk, raver, white boy rap, whatever else outfit's debut. This is a band burning bright like a sparkler on a birthday cake - probably short lived, but infinitely watchable (or listenable). These guys don't have a 'sound' as much as an overall feeling - here it's the feeling of hanging out in suburban backyards and bedrooms on those long Aussie summer days that seem to go on forever. I mean, there's even cicada and seagull noises on here - this is so Aussie it's not funny. Musically, there's a great mix of styles too, from the 'Sonic Youth with a drum machine' sound of Creation to the Architecture in Helsinki pop of Mr Ice Cream. And if this album was an ice cream it would be a rainbow Paddle Pop, half-eaten and dropped at the beach. Wipe off the sand and tuck in.

Artwork: A

Published in mX, Thursday 1 November 2007.