debut album ‘What’s In Between’ has the most surprising of starts. It kicks off with ‘Crying With You’ which initially tinkers experimentally with sound before the fierce drum beats of and vocals of jump in and effortlessly pull the whole together. And what a whole it is. The track encapsulates everything about this Australian band who have seen a meteoric rise in the last couple of years. The vocals dance all over the track as it soars, creating such an expansive soundscape.
Listening through for the first time to ‘What’s In Between’, it’s the imagery which grabs, each song a vignette of storytelling influenced by the band’s surroundings both in terms of relationships and environment. ‘Undressed’ is a gentle tale of heartache, observed from an outsider’s viewpoint: “your hearts breaking in two, watching him unzip her dress”, while ‘Rule 31’ rattles along at pace, reminiscent of a train on a track. The guitar (Jules Paradiso) and bass (Michael Philips) combination on ‘Rule 31’ are thrilling, creating a hint of underlying tension within the speedy song.
The exhilarating tracks work best on ‘What’s In Between’. Take ‘Kick in the Shins’ which powers forth, individual frustration pouring out of the lyricist whose impassioned delivery pulls the listener in. “I said the Cavern Club is now a Morrisons” is so indicative of the priority of the arts in this country. Also ‘Bottleshops’ an undeniable highlight (for info, the name of off licenses in Australia). Trying to find your place in the world as a young man is expressed so eloquently: “working in the city seems so lonely”, whilst ‘Intersection’ also tackles a similar theme of trying to figure life out, captivating in both its narrative and instrumentation. “Drop me by the intersection” – does this perhaps refer to a desire for a change of life, to take a different path, but needing help to get out of the current situation? The lyrics are whip smart on ‘Intersection’ and the clarity of delivery means they are heard, it would have been a travesty if they were not. The cinematic instrumentation accompanying this song is simply glorious.
Elsewhere there is ‘Big Lunch’ featuring of , an understated song which the band admit took them in a direction they haven’t been before. The album ends with ‘Waiting’, a contemplative track, reflective in its half-spoken, half-sung vocal and delicate sonics. “You keep saying it will happen now. I keep waiting”.
‘What’s In Between’ was mostly recorded with producer Peter Katis (Interpol, The National) at his studio in Connecticut. He has added a widescreen dimension to their music. Radio Free Alice were ripe for this approach and the result is a body of work which sees them take a giant leap forward. It’s a breathtaking debut and one which no doubt will add to their ever-growing fanbase.
9/10