by Broads
Broads Vacancy (PBS Feature Record)
If two-part harmonies are done right, they can be exquisite. That is certainly the case when it comes to local duo Broads. Broads are Kelly Day and Jane Hendry, both formerly of a capella quartet The Nymphs but now with guitars in hand, they explore what they describe as 'noir-country'. There is a darkness to the feel of the music as well as the lyrics but in the hands of these beautiful harmonies, there is a real beauty that stands out above the darkness.
Their first EP, released in 2014, was stark and raw, with just the two voices and guitars. When 'Nod Off, Dream' was released as the first single from Vacancy late last year, it signaled a real progression in their sound. The first half of that song was much like their first EP with the second half reaching an epic crescendo aided by a rhythm section, resulting in a much bigger sound. In this one song, you could see signs of where the upcoming album was going and that's pretty much right. There are still songs that retain the sound of the EP like 'Can't Stop Thinking' and 'How The Mighty Fall' but you can hear a wonderful musical progression on songs such as the aforementioned 'Nod Off, Dream', 'Green Screen' and what I think is the highlight of the album, 'The Valley'. Vacancy is a really beautiful album from this extremely talented duo and I really think big things are to come.
Review by Crispi (Radio City).
RVG A Quality of Mercy (Featured on The Breakfast Spread)
A Quality of Mercy is the spectacular first full-length release from Melbourne band RVG. Recorded between DIY hub The Tote and multi-purpose, independent creative heartland The Bank - it offers an example of how the gentrification of Collingwood is directing music makers to explore and record works deeper into the burbs of Melbourne. Central to both places are their DIY aesthetic, both creating space for the artistic minds of Melbourne to come together, collaborate and produce something special.
Romy Vagar, Reuben Bloxham, Angus Belle and Marc Nolte have a well-developed musical connection with features from Mike Lillis on horns. Romy has a lyrical conviction to be admired - delivering a potency reserved only for those with the highest emotional intelligence. Her vocals are as powerful as they are vulnerable, exploring themes of love, heartbreak, isolation and human fragility. Songs like ‘Eggshell World’ and ‘That’s All’ will find their way into your ribcage and crack you wide open.
RVG show their commitment to inclusiveness in both the way they play and the way they interact with the Melbourne music scene. They are a strong part of the movement redefining the concept of success by pushing back against the strong narrative of ‘individual excellence at all costs’ and placing community at the heart of their craft. This release places RVG at the forefront of emerging Melbourne bands on the verge of seeping into mainstream consciousness (and hopefully bringing with them these ideas and values).
RVG deliver a world-class first release. Prepare yourself to be thrown back and feel all your feelings.
Review by Beth AQ (The Breakfast Spread).
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