Already onto album number two, Melbourne’s Ceres have impressed with Drag It Down On You. This is a ridiculously great album. It’s an instantly accessible record that feels completely fresh yet contains a certain level of nostalgia about it.
91, Your House is raw with emotion, the chorus of vocalist Tom Lanyon screaming “I’m a piece of shit” resonating with anyone who has ever doubted themselves. It’s a perfect song to listen to when you’re hungover and feeling super self critical.
Laundry Echo is filled with catchy riffs and brings Frank Morda’s drums to the fore while further exposing the pleading nature of Lanyon’s vocal style. Spinning Wheel, which hopefully is named after the colourful wheel when your Mac freezes, is more of a stripped back affair showing that Ceres can write a beautiful song as well as be abrasive.
The sexually charged Choke is a real album highlight. The guitar work is super impressive and while risking sounding like a broken record, this track again reinforces how good the vocals are. Lanyon isn’t afraid to show the flaws in his voice and push his limits, adding extreme emotion to each song. That emotion is dripping from Nothing On Your Shoulders, yet another highlight on this stellar album.
Drag It Down On You should cement Ceres’ reputation as one of the most exciting bands in the Australian music scene. Particularly those who like their alternative rock with a raw emotional edge.
BY ALEXANDER CROWDEN
