In the current flood of punks turned acoustic songbirds, you would be forgiven for thinking 'what can one Melbournite bring to the table that hasn't already been brought?'. Only just though. I'd kick you in the shins, give you a copy of the CD and then you'd buy me a beer, then perhaps we'd talk forgiveness.
Donnie Duraeu has put together a stellar team for his debut effort, Ribbons Patterns. It really is a transparent album in more ways than one, and I mean that in the very best way. For one, the album art is the most innovative and ingenious efforts I have seen in a very, very long while. Big bands take note: this is how you combat the download demon, not suing Napster. Jeez.
Secondly, and more importantly, Donnie brings a honest and sincere style of writing that lets the listener see straight into his living room, headspace and heart. With a 'write it as I see it' style, evoking thoughts of Paul Kelly and The Lucksmiths, Dureau delves into our collective psyche using smart yet relate-able lyrics and catchy pop melodies. The album builds beautifully, and from go to whoa it is irresistible with its punk sincerity, folk sensibility and pop ingenuity. Its very hard to try and pick a highlight, as each song takes you on a slightly different journey, which marks a fantastic album with much thought put into every facet. Tracks 'Rain Rain' and 'Harry Baker', the two standouts from 2009's Tyre Swans EP (the stunning EP put out as a collaboration from Dureau, Jamie Hay and Darren Gibson) still hold fast as well written portraits of the city and country respectively. 'This is the Road' is a catchy travelling tune whilst 'Larry' takes you on a tour of a well loved home. I can't honestly pick the best, only tip my hat to Dureau for making a new listening staple for my collection.
'Ribbon Patterns' is a standout album of 2010, and one that I'm sure will stand the test of time. I was worried that production would taint those beautifully stripped back songs from Tyre Swans, yet it has just added complexities that make it better and better with repeat rotations. Get out and buy this album, you'll thank me. I'll be at social, you can buy me that beer there.
No comments:
Post a Comment