Minimalism, thankfully, is making a comeback.
For years there has been a trend calling for overproduction and multi-tracking. First, it started with big bands (see: The Beatles and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, possibly the first major use of the tactic) and it was deemed pretty damn cool, giving the opportunity to musicians who have exhausted normal tactics a new place to explore.
But after the idea trickled it’s way down to the kids in their own start-up bands, that’s when it got bad. With the idea of infinite tracks lodged firmly in their consciousness, an entire generation of multi-trackers lead the way into 14-take mixes, with shards of guitars here, extra drums here, plus cool keyboard stuff inter-played between the 3 different vocal tracks.
This changed the whole game – multi-tracking became a crutch, which lead to overproduction and generally too-muchness.
But things are changing – with figures like Jack White reinvigorating analog recording, and bands like the xx playing as few tracks as possible, the spectrum is shifting.
And Super Wild Horses is on top of it.
The Melbourne-based, female-duo (Amy Franz and Hayley McKee) has taken it back to basics and pure rock musicianship with their debut album, Fifteen.
Most, if not all the songs, ring of garage tones, with lead and rhythm merged into one great guitar track, drums attacking with a steady beat and quality musicianship, and beautiful vocal work and harmonies.
And, surprisingly, the sound doesn’t get old. Every track is good, with songs like “Golden Town” putting up maximum guitar ripping and “Love” utilizing single notes to their fullest potential, and “Carolina” showcasing some sweet keyboard work.
In fact, I could probably go through every song on this album, and just tell you how good it is. Really. And when juxtaposed with some pretty cool album art (see above), the minimalism and garage-ness just feels good to hold in your hand.
Look out for Super Wild Horses. They’re putting something out there that not only is original, but great. You won’t regret it.
8 1/2 Golden Eggs
Recommended Tracks: “Golden Town,” “Love,” “Degrassi”
