(Q-Stik/MGM)

Western Australia strikes again

Coming out of the now-vibrant WA music scene, Superengine combine self-conscious indie rock with rolling jazz inflections to create a sound reminiscent of Dots & Loops-era Stereolab. Staccato guitar rhythms and double time drums create urgent spaces the vocal and trumpet melodies to flourish, while bass and synth drone in the background. The brass instantly associates the band with Perth contemporaries The Tigers, whose bitter indie rock featured heavily in my Discman last year. Where Superengine lack the edge of that record, they make up in thoughtful complexity. The band move between sections and tempo with surprising ease, and pleasing results. Their commitment to style and form inhibits the vibe of the music at times, and the record could stand to lose a track or too, but it's still a nice little LP, replete with intelligent, British-tinged Australiana.

JAKEB SMITH

Be first to comment on this article

Write Comment
Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Poster's IP addresses are logged.
Name:
Comment:
Code:*