When did you last properly listen to an album? Start to finish, zero distractions, just diving deep into the music? It feels like a lost art sometimes, doesn’t it? Especially when algorithms are constantly nudging us towards the next bite-sized track, making music feel less like art and more like… content.
For Melbourne music lovers seeking an antidote to algorithm-driven playlists, the Melbourne Album Club offers a unique listening experience. Presented monthly in conjunction with High Note, Northcote, the club provides a dedicated space for actively listening to significant albums on a world-class hifi system.
Moving beyond passive consumption, each session focuses on a specific album played uninterrupted on vinyl. The selection spans diverse genres, with past events featuring everything from Radiohead and Joni Mitchell to unreleased works by local artists like Merpire. The goal is to foster intentional listening and appreciation for the album as an art form.
The club follows a simple ritual: a brief introduction contextualising the album, followed by a focused, quiet listening session with lights dimmed and phones silenced. Discussion and sharing of perspectives are encouraged only after the final track has finished.
Held in High Note’s intimate Space 2, the listening environment is enhanced by a truly remarkable sound system. Attendees experience records played through restored Altec horns (originally from the Sydney Opera House) housed in custom ‘Voice of the Theatre’ inspired cabinets, paired with a special edition Condesa mixer by Mehdi El-Aquil. This setup offers a rare opportunity to hear music with exceptional clarity and depth.
