(Nonezero Records/Shock)

Sydneysiders amp up the drama

Last album The New Violence showed how Peabody could blend Annandale anthems with more brooding compositions. New record Prospero does similar, but cranks up the group’s flair for the dramatic, resulting in a number of tunes that reach darkly melodic heights. Egon opens the album in a clang of moody guitars, while Big Sur is propelled with growling bass and pounding rhythm. Then things get real bonkers in the stomping Middle Eastern maelstrom of Buzzard Vs Ibis – it almost sounds like the group has been studying The Cure’s Pornography, in this record’s use of darkly psychedelic guitars and wailing melodies. It’s upon hearing these tunes that you realise singer Bruno Brayovic’s vocal resemblance to The Psychedelic Furs’ Richard Butler. Something To Someone shows that Peabody haven’t abandoned their ear for radio-friendly material, but it is the tougher, darker and more intense mood at the heart of Prospero that illustrates this Sydney four-piece’s considerable progress. Bluebottle Kiss’ Jamie Hutchings (himself no stranger to intense rock and roll) provides a sympathetic production, allowing plenty of room for densely layered guitars and a grinding rhythm section to both sound prominent without drowning each other out. Another effortlessly satisfying addition to the Peabody catalogue.

MATT THROWER

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