One of the hidden gems of the year comes, perhaps unsurprisingly, from down under: Melbourne’s Tom Lansek, one half of Big Scary and now of solo project #1 Dads, hasn’t quite broken onto the American radar as yet but his debut album About Face has been a staple for me these past few weeks. The nine-song album is mostly a sparsely choreographed, intimate listen, and Lansek’s delicate guitar strumming, deft piano and minimal percussion often gently begs for help from fellow vocalists to flesh things out. One such example is album highlight “Return To” on which fellow Aussie Tom Snowon (of Lowlakes) bellows in a way that would make Antony Hegarty proud.
What misleads as a piano-led R&B track quickly shifts gears towards more ethereal balladry, the song’s few elements building around Snowdon’s elegant (and perhaps minimally processed) vocals. Grungy synths, spine-shaking bass and plucky guitar remain tethered to the cloudlike crooning like marionettes: a highly controlled environment presented as spontaneity, with Lansek’s string-pulling only vaguely noticeable. It probably helps that we’re likely familiar with neither Lansek nor Snowdon, but I’m sure I’m not alone in hoping this isn’t a one time coming-together.
Listen to the full album and pick up the vinyl via Pieater here »
