On Poke Around Slowly, the cinematic opener to My Friend The Chocolate Cake’s eighth studio album, you are hearing David Bridie – to a small extent – channel Tom Waits. It’s a slow sombre opening that sonically weaves its way through a story, featuring honest vocals sound and evoking beautiful imagery. The concept of the album is about the protagonist finding peace in a mad world. Given the current state of play with global politics, this is the perfect time for The Revival Meeting to be released.
In Sleep The Whole Night Through, sorrowful string arrangements compliment Bridie’s vocals, sounding rich at the forefront of the track. Satellite Boy has an underlying rhythmic groove that showcases the playfulness of the musicians. From the pump organ to the strings and guitar, it immediately stands out as an album favourite. Over the past 28 years, MFTCC have developed into an aussie icon. On The Revival Meeting we see a band at the height of their songwriting ability. The instrumental tracks weaved throughout – such as Easter Parade and Another Year – complete the set and make this an intriguing listen from top to bottom.
