From the opening guitar riff of Old Soft Shoe, listeners know they're in for a blast from the past.
Skilled fingers pluck and bend the notes before the track punches into a comfortable groove. If someone said it was an obscure classic by some band from the ’70s, you’d believe them.
Yet the aftertaste is decidedly clean as opposed to a warm vintage crackle. It feels almost wrong that it’s not on vinyl.
Malibu Spacey Upcoming Shows
- Sept 29 – Ringo Barr, Melbourne w/ Signal Chain
- Oct 22 – Tramway Hotel, Melbourne w/ Skybelly
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
The boys behind Malibu Spacey say the new single was “born to boogie”. Originally designed as a slower, more languid reflection, the track came to life when they first practised it together.
I understand what they mean. It has a danceable swing to it; a propulsive energy that evokes classic rock n’ roll swagger. Maybe it’s the cowbell. Who doesn’t love the cowbell?
It’s apparent that band members Evan Jones, Zoran Lasich, Antony Tatangelo, Nat Richardson and Tim Clarke each carry their own weight in terms of musical talent.
They share the spotlight with ease, letting the jangly 12-string guitar, steady drums, lilting lead guitar riffs and Jones’ resonant vocals each have their moment. During the bridge, they pull back, giving us a killer keyboard solo before building into a full-band crescendo.
While the sonic influences borrow from the past, the lyrics contemplate an unknown future: before swinging into the chorus, vocal harmonies muse “There’s a point in time / where you’re left behind”. It laments the pressure of unlimited potential – Jones is at once grateful to be full of promise, yet overwhelmed by the passing of time and the sound of doors softly closing.
“Was told I could be anything / Static, stoic, stationary /Ambition is an awful thing / Opting out is voluntary” echoes the refrain. But with early singles on radio rotation, streaming numbers growing and a debut album on the horizon for 2023, it’s clear Malibu Spacey hasn’t been left behind just yet. Maybe ambition isn’t so bad after all.
To keep up with new music from Malibu Spacey, follow them here.
This article was made in partnership with Malibu Spacey.
