What a trio, Sydney's The Electorate are. Forgetting about the actual songs for one minute, instrumentally they are built on a locked in Rhythm Section that drives songs and angular unexpected riffs that cross genres. Then there is the vocal that links the instrumentals perfectly in a sort of Kilbey-esque manner.
This is the band's second album, five years on from that outstanding debut and this time there seems more space for songs. The first three songs underline the variance on show. End is built around a wonderful Psych Pop riff and a driving bass line.
Peace Love And Kindness is built on more of an Indie Rock vibe and I just can't help thinking of Johnny Cash's Ring Of Fire on the verse. Sleeping On The Job is wonderfully angular, but the vocal is uncannily close to Neil Finn. These three songs are not even the apex of this stellar album.
Unfamiliar is slower, darker and splendidly Post Punk with a hint of Will Seargent on the Guitar sound. Summer Of Cicadas sounds more front porch and yet Ten Times Round is more IRS, 90s College Rock even, with a mesmerising Guitar sound.
Don't Go Out is much noisier, a real thrash out at tines, yet remains a cross between The Church and 80s King Crimson. Face Of A Giant returns to Psych Pop with a jaw dropping riff and a hypnotic rhythm section. This may even e my favourite here and it is the closing track.
This is the sound of a band at the top of their game. By Design has hooks and riffs that just grab a hold of you, but there are also Pop elements mixed with incredible arrangements. You just don't want the thing to end, it is a magnificent listen.
You can listen to and buy the album here. It is available on Vinyl, CD or as a download.
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