Truly haunting music works as an elixir for numbness and nullifies the shallowness that exists outside the periphery of our spiritual being. Jess Cornelius – the voice and soul of Melbourne alt-rock entity, Teeth & Tongue – proves an evolving, impressive artist on her sophomore album, Tambourine (the follow-up to acclaimed debut album, Monobasic) as her insightful, imaginative and idiosyncratic thoughts resound with a brooding intensity and enthralling mystique. She’s convincing and masterfully evocative – suspending listeners in the penetrating gloom of opening lyric: “Maybe the walls can tell me things / Tell me what the future brings/ And I won’t be lonely anymore”.
It’s Cornelius’ individuality, vision and versatility that summons rock’s most inspiring female outsiders, PJ Harvey and Patti Smith. Accompanied by Marc Regueiro-Mckelvie’s menacing guitar work, Cornelius conveys her uncompromising and revelatory sound through an incredible voice that interchanges between a brooding baritone, redolent sultry croon, punk-infused cry and soulful lament. Rot On The Vine is a momentous and exquisitely-crafted composition of stirring poignancy – seductive and charming in its soulful jazz-pop grooves; breathlessly vigorous in its searing post-punk climax.
Another revelatory gem is Vaseline On The Lens – a ravaging, slow-burning lamentation that summons an elusive image of beauty amidst perpetual destruction and despair. Even at her most melancholy and introspective, Cornelius evokes a powerful air of catharsis in channelling her insecurities and fears with devastating beauty. When urged to recommend great Australian albums, ensure that Teeth & Tongue’s Tambourine is vehemently advocated.
Best Track: Rot On The Vine
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: Cast The Demons Out JONNEINE ZAPATA, Monobasic TEETH & TONGUE, Havilah THE DRONES.
In A Word: Haunting
