Siskin River, the innovative folk-infused combo comprised of sisters Shalane and Tullara Connors, proved to be one of the sparkling highlights of the 2013 Queenscliff Music Festival. The deft guitar playing, crystal-clear vocals, clever lyrics and high-energy performance that caught our attention at the festival are all on display throughout this debut album.
Although on the surface Siskin River may appear to bear little sonic or visual resemblance to Siouxsie & The Banshees, they occasionally exhibit the type of dark playfulness that made that seminal band so intriguing. For instance, on Alice, which features delightfully lush and surreal lyrics, they conjure an atmosphere that seems possessed of a strange and stark beauty.
Up, the first single from the album, is a haunting and thought-provoking meditation on the state of the world that is rich in metaphor while the video clip for Up,which was made by Clayton Jacobson, is a gothic delight. My Favourite Things from The Sound of Music takes on a wild intensity in the hands of Siskin River who somehow manage to imbue it with an eerie and unhinged vibe that is mysteriously satisfying.
The rich, melodic power of the acoustic guitar that lies at the heart of memorable songs such as Fickle Friend and the consciousness-raising lyrics that are showcased on tracks such as Up and If I Was a King demonstrate just how vital and talented this band is.
BY GRAHAM BLACKLEY
Best Track: Up
If You Like These, You’ll Love This: SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES, FIRST AID KIT
In A Word: Spellbinding
