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COUNTRY
Andrew Farriss, Andrew Farriss
(Rockingham/BMG) ***1/2
As half of one of Australia’s most successful hitmaking duos (with late INXS bandmate Michael Hutchence), Andrew Farriss has taken an inordinate amount of time to release his first solo record. And, like honorary Aussie Barry Gibb’s recent effort, it reveals his love of country music. While relegated to backing status during the INXS years, Farriss’ vocals more than hold their own now they’re centre-stage. Much of this outing is middle-of-the-road with a slight twang, but he reaches peak western soundtrack with the triptych Cajun Girl, Apache Pass and Starlight. As you can gather, much is American-west-inspired, though With the Kelly Gang celebrates Australia’s own outlaw. Where Do You Sleep Tonight counts down the months as Farriss laments a lost love. And check out the video for Run Baby Run, shot on Gympie’s Mary Valley Rattler.
ALTERNATIVE
Full Power Happy Hour, Full Power Happy Hour
(Coolin’ By Sound/Redeye Worldwide) ***
The old adage “less is more” was never more amply demonstrated than on this Brisbane act’s debut, where lush production is eschewed for the simple power of vocals backed by sparse instrumentation. Their bright, breezy style, coupled with Alex Campbell’s exquisite vocals, recall numerous female-fronted indie-pop acts of the ’90s. Heart on the Floor is as minimalist as it gets, showcasing Campbell’s voice, as is Crying Over Stitches which is backed by heartfelt harmonies. Golden Egg is a melodic highlight, while on Woohaa Everyday she laments: “The longer I knew you, the less I liked you.” Their growing fanbase will be stoked with this long-player, and they play Lefty’s Music Hall on April 1 and have an in-store at Sonic Sherpa on April 11.
ALTERNATIVE
Lake Street Dive, Obviously
(Nonesuch) ***1/2
“Being a woman is a full-time job/80c to the dollar.” The latest single for this groovealicious Brooklyn quintet fittingly coincides with International Women’s Day. And the album overall is as soulful and funky as you’d expect. Hypotheticals opens the set on an optimistic note, anticipating a potentially lifetime relationship, while Hush Money appears to be aimed at Trumpian politics. “We used to share the tears/Still the lion’s share was mine,” Rachael Price sings on Anymore. Speaking of lion’s share, Price is the main vocalist, but Same Old News is a duet with recent addition Akie Bermiss. Know That I Know compares a perfect partnership to Kirk and Spock, Deedee Ramone and punk rock, Ferris Bueller and his day off, and E Street Band and The Boss. And Lackluster Lover is the ultimate take-down: ”Why do I keep you around?”
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