While local hero Chet Faker has lost a whole lot of facial hair, he has picked up a funky fresh sound with help from Londoner, Marcus Marr. Combining the sway of soul and the energy of electronic, the pair has produced something far from the familiar Faker sound. After the success of his debut album, Built On Glass, it’s a wonder the singer/songwriter decided to deviate. However, surprisingly the four-track EP does indeed live up to its title.
Birthday Card kicks things off with its driving electric drumbeats and psychedelic, offbeat structure. Faker’s lyric, “I want to be something, I want to feel your heart,” is a relieving nod to his familiar style and insightful charm. With a Marr inspired electronic melody made for an all-night dance party, the eight minute opener was clearly created to get the blood pumping.
Introduced by an eager electric guitar, the EP’s second single The Trouble With Us is as catchy as they come. Leaving the melancholy madness behind, Faker presides over an uptempo groove with plenty of modernised soul sections. Funky finger plucking continues to drive the tune, which is soon to become a karaoke classic. Fortunately, while Faker’s approach has shifted, his vocal style is as powerful and captivating as ever.
Similar to Birthday Card, Learning For Your Love incorporates an extended electronic instrumental introduction with a casually cool, effortless lead vocal. From twinkly keyboards and clapping kick drums, to sultry synthesisers, the collaborative offering is different to anything the Australian crooner has ever produced. Bringing the EP to a close is Killing Jar. Sounding similar to the soundtrack of a vintage video game, electronic rhythms are joined by a semi-distorted guitar and a brooding vocal.
BY PHOEBE ROBERTSON
