How things have changed for Sydney’s Jonathan Boulet in the space of a few short years. In 2009 he released his well-received debut self-titled album, a follow-up in 2012 and now in 2014, his third album Gubba’s release marks a very distinct change of sound.
Gone is the folkish charm that endeared him to audiences’ thanks across the country via way of live shows and triple j airplay. In its place is a hard to describe thrash-indie kind of sound. The vocals take a back seat among the considered noise on the album. On first listen, this record comes across as an undirected clusterfuck. It feels messy and it’s just so different from his old stuff that listening to this album becomes rather a jarring experience.
After several spins, this album feels completely different from when first played. After a handful of listens, it begins to have the same kind of appeal of The Hives successful signature sound. That being carefully and painstaking crafted loud noise that comes across like it was just thrown together, the reality being anything but.
Hold It Down becomes a favourite due to its desperate plea-style vocals, while Creeper is brilliant as it sounds entirely like a song with such a title should. It should be the soundtrack for a stalker movie spoof. You’re A Man is the best Hives impression, Boulet really nails it. This album will polarise people because of its loud and uncompromising style, but if that’s your thing, it may just be one of your favourite local releases for the year.
BY ALEXANDER CROWDEN
Best Track: Hold It Down
If You Like These, You’ll Love This: The Hives, Dappled Cities, Deep Sea Arcade
In A Word: Brash
