The Dreamers EP is the first release from Melbourne duo Young Heretics, made up by The Getaway Plan's former frontman Matthew Wright and Kitty Hart - half the time rumoured to be his twin sister, or his lover. Let's hope just not both.
Relationship aside, the EP is probably the best $5 I have ever spent in my life. In a world where increasingly unoriginal tunes (Black Eyed Peas anyone) are hitting our airwaves, this was like a breath of fresh air.
From the opening of my personal favourite 'Bones of A Rabbit' Kitty draws us in with her mysterious and really quite eerie vocals, before Matthew chimes in, their harmonies blending in with the soft piano in the background. Their voices together make a haunting and harmonious effect - these two both have amazing pipes on them, that's for sure. The music along with their vocals build up and hit an inevitable climax, their passion clearly heard through the combination of both their voices.
Drums and percussion introduce us to the next song on the EP, the single 'The Lost Loves' probably the most radio friendly song. Kitty once again opens the song, her vocals slightly clearer and not as eerie as before, creating a more radio friendly feel. Matthew once again joins in, harmonising in the background, the focus of the lyrics remaining mostly on Kitty.
Dark Prince takes us to a more calmer place, and slows down the pace, with Kitty's vocals only being accompanied by piano for the first few verses of the song. After the first two minutes or so, Matthew's softer vocals blend in into the background to end the song. Of all the songs, this one probably has the most dreamlike and intimate quality about it.
Slow guitar and swirling wind introduces us to the last song 'Winter Makes A Sleeper', Kitty's vocals more softer and dreamier and slightly distorted in the closing track, giving it an aged feel. The track, apparently a demo recorded a few years back, doesn't hold the theatrics and orchestral instruments of the other songs, taking a more stripped back approach, one that flows well with the lyrics. This therefore closes the EP in a more mysterious way, the wind dying out to signal that the end has come.
The EP opens with a bang, and ends in a dreamlike trance, showcasing the versatility of the duo. Even with only 4 tracks, it manages to encompass mystery, suspense, darkness, intimacy and versatilty - no easy feat. The vocals combined with the musical diversity of the instruments leave a haunting effect on the listener. This EP combines originality, diversity, inspiration and creativity - leaving you wondering what could be achieved on a full length album. If you're jumping off The Getaway Plan bandwagon be prepared to be disappointed - Matthews muscianship is mainly showcased through instrumentals, with Kitty's vocals overpowering his.
For fans of...? I don't really know what to liken or compare this too. Fans of Bertie Blackman and similar artists may enjoy this. Either way, with the Australian music scene being fronted by idiots like Short Stack, it is great to see that creativity still exists out there somewhere.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
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