STACK #191 Sep 2020

MUSIC REVIEWS

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San Cisco Between You And Me

Troye Sivan In A Dream

Mondo Rock Summer of '81: Live At The Pier Live albums don’t have much currency these days, but this is a great live album. Recorded on a Sunday night in 1981 at Frankston’s Pier Hotel, it captured Mondo Rock at the peak of their powers. The classic line-up had just come together – Ross Wilson, Eric McCusker, James Black, Paul Christie and J.J. Hackett – and they were on the verge of releasing their finest album, Chemistry . As Wilson points out in the liner notes, “We were hot and hungry and you can hear it on this album.” As well as the Chemistry hits, this collection – Mondo Rock’s first live album – features some gems, including We’re No Angels (later recorded by John Farnham) and the 1979 single Searching For My Baby . The chemistry was, indeed, right. This is San Cisco’s fourth album, but they still sound fresh and full of youthful exuberance. “You’re the worst best friend that I’ve ever had,” Jordi Davieson sings in Messages. “I sent you a message, but you never replied.” Later, he confides: “I’ve got a few things to unpack.” Indeed, he has. But even when they’re singing about lost love and farewelling friends, San Cisco still put a smile on your face. Shine reminds of Ben Lee, When I Dream floats like Fleetwood Mac, Alone is a brilliant Britpop ballad, and On The Line ’s potent male/female vocal dynamic – something they should utilise more – will have you thinking of The Mavis’s and The Human League. Between You And Me is a captivating pop confection. (MGM) Jeff Jenkins

Robert Plant Digging Deep: Subterranea Strictly a solo affair, this 2CD, 30-song collection includes tracks from Plant's 11 solo albums in addition to three previously unreleased recordings, one a duet with Patti Griffin on Charlie Feathers' rockabilly classic Too Much Alike . Spanning four decades, the album highlights Plant's vocal capabilities without the inherent restraints and expectations of being part of Led Zeppelin. These solo recordings showcase the musician's wide vocal range on songs that explore rock, country, pastoral folk and a variety of influences somewhere in between. Robert Plant is undoubtedly one of the greatest singers of the rock era, and this collection will most certainly enhance that already sterling reputation. (Warner) Billy Pinnell Hot damn! Mere moments into this concept EP’s opener, you’ll be hypnotised by Troye Sivan's lilting, conversational vocal delivery. While swaying blissfully from side to side – safe in the knowledge you’ve got Take Yourself Home all figured out ("If I’m gonna die, let’s die somewhere pretty/ Oh, oh, oh...”) – a dirty breakdown drops, unexpectedly, to signal bump’n’grind time. And the surprise production flourishes keep on coming: Easy ’s sudden, celebratory “WOO!” will propel you skyward like a bucking bronco; while STUD morphs into a dancefloor banger thanks to muscular, bass-heavy beats. In documenting his self-described “emotional rollercoaster period” through song, Sivan has created a six-track collection of pop perfection that speaks to the Rager teenager! in us all. (EMI) Bryget Chrisfield

Vika & Linda Sunday (The Gospel According To Iso)

“Gospel music is about miracles,” said American critic Dave Marsh. After celebrating their first number one with their recent anthology, Vika & Linda have spent their lockdown time wisely, making a gospel album. It’s a record we need right now. There’s even a song called Memphis Flu from the 1930s, which

benefits from the Bull sisters’ rewrite: “Yes, it gets rich and poor,” they sing. “And it’s going to get more, if you don’t listen up and behave.” There’s something special about siblings singing together and the sisters’ voices beautifully complement each other. Vika’s vocal takes no prisoners, grabbing you by the scruff of the neck, whereas Linda’s voice lures the listener with its subtler tone. As well as covering Amazing Grace and Bridge Over Troubled Water , Sunday pays tribute to the gospel pioneers, including Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Thomas A. Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson and Etta James. A standout is a three-way duet with Paul Kelly, and there’s one new song – Shallow Grave , which Kasey Chambers wrote for Vika & Linda. You don’t have to be a believer to dig these tunes. These are songs about survival, compassion and redemption. There’s something for everyone. A Sunday kind of love. (Bloodlines) Jeff Jenkins

Deep Purple Whoosh!

Diesel Sunset Suburbia

Deep Purple, one of the most revered and respected rock bands of all time, have recently released their 21st studio album to worldwide acclaim. Musically compelling and lyrically relevant, a number of the songs reflect the band's sentiments on the current state of the world, framed by Ian Gillan's one-of-a- kind voice, Steve Morse's guitar virtuosity, Don Airey's classically-tinged Hammond B3, and anchored by one of rock music's greatest rhythm sections: founding members Ian Paice (drums) and Roger Glover (bass). Whoosh! will undoubtedly appeal to devoted fans and new devotees.

It’s hard to believe it’s been more than 30 years since Diesel’s debut, as his voice remains eternally youthful. Indeed, if a new artist arrived with these songs, the industry would go gaga. After two Sunset Suburbia EPs, Diesel has abandoned the planned third EP and leapt straight into the album. Opening with the breezy brilliance of On The Inside , the man's soulful, poetic pop is filled with hooks. In Reverse finds him “waiting for a familiar song”, NYC is a nod to his American roots, Quietly Drift is aptly titled, while By The Scars reveals a lifetime of living. “No,” he sings, “you can’t live your life without scars.” But Diesel has survived success, including his pin-up pop star period, to emerge as a masterful musician.

(Ear Music) Billy Pinnell

(Bloodlines) Jeff Jenkins

(Bloodlines) Jeff Jenkins

82 SEPTEMBER 2020

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