Relying on rhythm and synth-pop textures, the band is developing A-grade self-confidence and compelling live performances increase the value. Image and expectation aside, their growing body of work confirms they can write songs that are built to last and Jack Bourke’s vocal delivery adds further traction.
From ‘Joan, I’m Disappearing’ to ‘Echoes in Blue’ this is a journey through some desolate places and languid melodies. The fullness of the sound shines on ‘In This Modern Land’ with a scope to unite disparate elements of the audience with its confident swagger. Measured and controlled importance is found in everyday ephemera which enables the band to make bold statements such as ‘Decision Fatigue’.
Perhaps the blink and you miss them tracks ‘April 18’ and ‘Amber’ have a purpose that is only apparent to the band, until songs like ‘Kingdom’ and ‘Blood’ reach frenetic speed with their sheer exhilaration of instrumentation and elaborate vocal styling.
Bourke’s sometimes burnished tone carries a panoramic variety of moods, especially on ‘I Heard Nothing from You’ and ‘Pride’. Echoes in Blue sees the band in top form creating a thrilling wall of sound which elevates this recording to the mythical island disc status.
