I’d argue that Ben Salter is one of Australia’s most underrated songwriters in one of the country’s most underrated bands, The Gin Club. As the chief songwriter of that band, Salter has produced many fine, haunting tracks, ranging from alt and country rock to colonial era inspired gems. How Say You Love Me from the Deathwish album isn’t a hit I’ll never know.
Salter’s solo LP The Cat departed slightly from the The Gin Club mold, further showcasing the range of a fine songwriter, and European Vacation continues that trend in a surprisingly more experimental way. It’s evident on Tremulous with its thumping, heightened pulse and keys reminiscent of something from the score of Blade Runner. It must be said though that guest vocalist Christa Vi sounds more comfortable with the style than Salter himself.
In regards to the album’s title, it’s not misleading; each track was recorded last year across several locales in Europe, although there are not necessarily connections between song and place. Instrumental tracks provide an interesting change of pace, All The Things sounding more like it’s from the American heartland than Ireland where it was recorded. Lecce is gorgeous too.
The rest is more recognisably Salter: The Prophetess is a steady, darkly rocking opener, and Not Today is almost the antithesis of that – a sharp plucking of acoustic guitar accompanied by strings as well as sultry saxophone that catches you unawares. “I just want to be free/ what do we say to death? / Not today,” sings Salter. Semi Pro Gamer sits a little uncomfortably amongst these tracks; it’s a good tune with a great chorus, it’s just Salter singing lines such as “I don’t need a passport/ just an unlimited wireless plan,” seems odd. But, it’s a minor blip on the radar of an otherwise enjoyable interim release.
BY GARRY WESTMORE
Best Track: The Prophetess
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: THE AVETT BROTHERS, SMOG
In A Word: Diverse
