STACK #162 April 2018

MUSIC REVIEWS

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Jaala Joonya Spirit Melbourne musician Jaala first saw the words "Junior Spirit" embroidered on a pair of overalls. The jeans were too big but she wore them anyway. Jaala said the words struck a chord: a kinder way to say 'young soul', or inexperienced person still learning the ropes. The phrase hints at an energy and fresh perspective that feels very apt when talking about Jaala's own music. "I don't want to stay the same, I don't want to stay the same, ever" are the first words of the first song of the new album. There's a compulsive creativity here that's reflected in the music. Songs shift and surprise, moving in unison with stories of growth, love, and loss. Jazz, punk and rock remain strong references for the controlled chaos on offer, harnessed with skill and balance to produce an album that shakes with new possibilities. (Bedroom Suck/ Remote Control) SimonWinkler Sunflower Bean Twentytwo In Blue Since the release of their debut album, Brooklyn trio Sunflower Bean have experienced enough world events to put their 22 years of life (each) into perspective. Opening track of second album Twentytwo In Blue , Burn It , is a rollicking call to arms; it's followed by I Was A Fool , a breezy duet between Julia Cumming (bass and lead vocals) and Nick Kivlen (lead guitar, vocals) that dissects self-deprecation. Cumming takes the reins on the fiercely political Crisis Helm , while Puppet Strings delivers high-energy guitars and catchy lyrics. The band pare things back on the contemplative Only A Moment and Any Way You Like , demonstrating a side they haven’t shown before. Despite their young age, Sunflower Bean possess remarkable maturity which will no doubt speak volumes to their listenership. (Liberator) Holly Pereira

Donny Benét The Don He’s part Dave Graney, part Ron Jeremy. Meet Donny Benét, Australia’s new king of yacht rock. His fresh album, The Don , showcases some ’80s electro pop influences – think The Human League and ABC – and Benét’s droll, deadpan delivery simply adds to the ambience. Santorini is a glorious earworm, while Konichiwa is smooth and seductive; Sydney’s Benét is obviously well-travelled, as the album also includes the pulsating Night In Rome . Featuring just eight tracks but clocking in at 42 minutes, The Don is indulgent but also a magnificent mood-setter. File next to Client Liaison and Vaudeville Smash. Is Don. Is Good. (Dot Dash/Remote Control) Jeff Jenkins

Soccer Mommy Clean Soccer Mommy is the musical project of Sophie Allison, a 20-year- old Nashville native who turns painfully relatable experiences into beautiful songs. Despite being Allison’s very first release, Clean is a remarkably accomplished album that puts candid storytelling and sparse instrumentation at the forefront. Allison sings openly about being in an emotionally abusive relationship on Your Dog , jealousy on Last Girl and waiting around for something that’s never going to happen on Still Clean. The result is a collection of powerful songs that feels like an extension of your own consciousness – a gift few can claim to possess. Allison is no doubt set for a career as one of the most exciting singer-songwriters of her generation. (Fat Possum/Inertia) Holly Pereira

Alexis Taylor Beautiful Thing Speaking of beautiful things, let's not forget the voice of Alexis Taylor. Since the moment it made an appearance on the first Hot Chip recordings almost 20 years ago, it's remained one of the most distinctive and expressive in pop music. Taylor's versatility is also remarkable, evoking deep and subtle emotions whether surrounded by club-shaking dance beats or the quietest melody. His previous solo venture Piano was a stunning record of restrained ballads, later accompanied by an ambient album where other artists responded to the originals. Beautiful Thing finds a balance between the reflective aspects of that project and the emotive dance music of Hot Chip. The title track is a perfect example, blending a vocal line over a a dense, experimental disco groove. It's cohesive and chaotic, playful and plaintive. And it's moving, like all of Alexis Taylor's work. (Domino/EMI) SimonWinkler

Aunty Donna Aunty Donna: The Album Chuffed (Dad Song) , The Theme From Friends , and F-ccboi Anthem are but a few of the many gems absurdist comedy trio Aunty Donna’s debut album is laden with. Along with special guests including Hamish Blake and Montaigne, it would seem as though the comic geniuses behind some of the funniest Facebook videos you’ve seen are also quite talented lyricists. Sure, most of their tunes don’t rhyme, and some should definitely not be heard by juvenile ears (they’re chock-full of bad language), but if you’ve got a love of inappropriate and outrageous comedy, and need to chuck something on to celebrate the Friday commute, make it Aunty Donna: The Album . Don’t forget to check out the innovative music videos on the Melbourne lads' YouTube channel – they’re an essential companion. (Aunty Donna) Alesha Kolbe

Alison Wonderland Awake Sydney producer/DJ Alison Wonderland (Alex Scholler) wears her heart on her sleeve(d tall tee) and is renowned for her intoxicating live shows, but how does her sophomore album Awake stack up? Well, it's definitely good enough. Wonderland has been teasing opening track Good Enough live for some time, and now it finally gets an official release; former principal cellist in the

Sydney Youth Orchestra Scholler uses her classical instrument to add texture and identity to the thumping two-minute opener. Likewise, Good Girls Bad Boys flexes the DJ’s undeniable production chops, which have established her as an industry leader and the highest-billed female DJ in Coachella history. Where Scholler's 2015 debut Run dropped banger after banger in a relentless onslaught, Awake is layered, vulnerable and full of personality, demonstrating huge personal and musical growth for the artist. The tracklisting sways between EDM, trap and bass, but the highlights are where she hits those huge pop moments. With the addition of powerhouse Joel Little and long-time collaborator Lido to the production team, Scholler's sound is given new life, with the tropical No , the empowered and chorus-driven Church , and the sassiness of Cry leading the charge. (EMI/Universal)Tim Lambert

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APRIL 2018

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