Pinky Beecroft and the White Russians – ‘Fabulous Driving’

If you think you knew Pinky Beecroft, it might be time to re-evaluate your preconceptions. For better or worse, his new material sounds nothing like Machine Gun Fellatio – free from the constraints of the ‘quirky’ pop image to which he was once forced to pander, Beecroft has moved to produce the most affecting and beautiful music of his career.

His debut album with the White Russians retains his dry sense of humour but appropriates it to more mature compositions and lyrical narratives.

‘Fabulous Driving’ is a piano-driven ballad that reminds listeners what a great voice Beecroft always had beneath the spandex and ridiculous glasses. It’ simple, fragile, and the bare arrangement is fleshed out by an understated, sombre tone.

The only thing as good as discovering an artist with this king of talent is rediscovering an artist who you never knew had it in them. (Then again, he is credited as co-writer on ‘No Aphrodisiac’ – though the merit therein is almost as subjective as his involvement with MGF).

www.myspace.com/pinkybeecroft

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Belles Will Ring – ‘Priest Coats’

Hailing from the Blue Mountains, Belles Will Ring are Australia’s foremost exponents of nostalgic, psychedelic rock at the moment. With its distillation of their surroundings and influences into a fresh, sprawling and jangling aesthetic, their debut LP, Mood Patterns, was probably my favourite Australian album of 2007. Now, we are presented with a mini-LP, Broader Than Broadway, to hold us over until they regroup for a sophomore effort.

First single Priest Coats has already hit radio and extends their whimsical, folkadelic digressions into rougher, rock territory. Lush and upbeat vocal harmonies weave their way through equal parts chiming and distorting guitars until ultimately ending with a sigh. It’s the kind of song that you know took a lot of effort to produce and orchestrate but is never weighed down by it’s subtle complexity.

Fantastic stuff that showcases the dynamic combination of great production and a fine-tuned pop sensibility. Keep an ear out for these guys and let them soundtrack your summer.

www.myspace.com/belleswillring

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Tragic/Athletic – ‘Three Months At Sea’

Tragic/Athletic are the kind of band that have steadily outgrown their initial post-punk roots to inhabit a space that’s both more accessible yet also more complex.

‘Three Months At Sea’ is a dynamic entry that displays their new-found proficiency in slower, more contemplative compositions before building to a euphoric outro complete with brass section. It’s measured and alluring, investing as much in organs and atmosphere as guitar squall. If this is what ‘maturing’ sounds like then I might just apply for my Senior’s Pension.

The EP Brakes is available as a 10″ from the bands’ own vinyl-only label Mt. Field Recordings – in case the song itself didn’t quite solidify their indie cred. Here’s hoping there’s a full-length follow up is released soon.

www.myspace.com/tragicathletic

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An Horse – ‘Postcard’

If you’ve never wanted to buy a Mercedes Benz more in your life then that’s probably because the song featured in their latest commercial is a great tune by Brisbane’s An Horse.

These guys have had a big year – they released their debut EP, toured through the US with Tegan & Sara, through Australia with Death Cab, performed at CMJ in New York, and somehow found time to record their first album (to be released in 2009). Judging by the quality of the EP, I’m Not Really Scared, there’s hardly a more deserving band nor hardly a more promising Australian release for next year.

The song itself is simple but bold, showcasing the duo’s ability to construct fuller sounds out of just guitar and drums than most could do with entire orchestra. Pop music with muscle and a heart on its sleeve.

If you haven’t heard it already then it’s definitely time to jump on the bandwagon.

www.myspace.com/anhorse

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Ernest Ellis – ‘Bad Blood’

In his use of layered, reverb-soaked vocals and a sublime falsetto, Ernest Ellis echoes the likes of Bon Iver and TV On The Radio.

Anthemic folk may sound like an oxymoron but it neatly encapsulates Ellis’ ‘Bad Blood’. Applying his expansive, organic production to simple, repetitive melodies ‘Bad Blood’ sits halfway between the sounds of Americana and out of space.

Little information about Sydney-based Ellis is available which serves only to build anticipation for new material. As one of the first signings to the new Dew Process publishing arm and a guest on the recent ‘Blogger’s Delight’ lineup, Ellis is making an impression on the the right people. Expect big things…

www.myspace.com/ernestellis

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