Review: Lana Harris
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Thinking about Cairns, music is rarely the first thing that comes to mind. And when the brain cells do get around to firing in the melodic direction, the image drawn most frequently is that of cover bands playing ‘Down Under’ to hopelessly intoxicated backpackers. So it’s good to know that there are original, independent muso’s inhabiting the tourist Mecca, artists who can battle the salty humidity and lure of cheap pink drinks to produce a unique contribution to the Australian music scene.
The artists in question are known as The Medics, a four-piece emotive indie outfit with an arrangement of electric and |
acoustic guitars, bass, keyboards, percussion and vocals. Their contribution is their second EP This Boat We Call Love.
The EP opens with ‘Her Song’ and it’s a tender, silky introduction to the quartet, a barely there caress of the arm as you say hello. Guitar work on this track is light, high end of the fretboard stuff, with delicate glockenspiel additions and drumming which never overpowers but does reveal itself to be technically proficient. A pretty track, ‘Amongst the Corn Fields’ starts with a similarly subtle tone; the vocal backing harmonies are ethereal. The track breaks at the half way point, adding in percussion and more force to the vocals. Again, the drummer’s taps reveal an aptitude for the sticks.
From here the album uses more power to deliver its songs. ‘Joseph’ builds like a storm rolling in, gaining tempo and impact as the songs unfurls. Back up chanting accompanies lyrics which are shouted in places. ‘Sinking Ship’ is similarly styled – wailing and forceful guitar playing that also manages to remodel itself into melodious tenderness at points. The EP finishes with ‘Wolves’, a mostly acoustic guitar and voice track with the chorus ‘lost your heart, lost your love, lost your way out, but not your life’. These ponderous lyrics are typical of the lyrical content of the album in general. Across all tracks are words which sound like they are crafted by a writer who is attuned to observing others in character defining situations. The final moments are delivered through tinkling glock touches as airy as the introduction to the EP was.
This Boat We Call Love demonstrates The Medics’ gift for sensitively styled music. It’s a sweet and gentle record that reveals the power that can be infused into this kind of offering, with thoughtful lyrics and a range of emotional tone that encourages close and unguarded listening.
Check Them Out: THE MEDICS