Plaintive vocals, plucked banjos and plenty of minor chords are the order of the day on “Bottle,” the first single to be released from Texture Like Sun’s upcoming debut album. Whilst they lack the ARIA-ready riffs of a Boy and Bear-type act, there are enough positives here to suggest we may have another Aussie indie-folk darling on our hands.
There are plenty of interesting sonic flourishes, like the all-male quavering that haunts the song’s final minute, and the surprisingly effective percussion which punctuates a song that may otherwise be in danger of seeming a little too waif-like. The tune builds, one layer at a time, into a final swell of sound that cocoons the airy and haunting voice of Mark Pearl, previously heard on Urthboy’s track “Clocks.”
“Bottles” is pulled off with an assurance that is good to hear from a new artist, but given the team’s accomplished backgrounds with acts such as TZU and Blue King Brown, it’s hardly surprising. Whilst they never reach any truly anthemic heights, one suspects that’s not the point of Texture Like Sun. There’s no shortage of ideas or talent here and I’d like to hear them explored even further on the group’s debut album, due next year.
If recent bands like Husky are your thing, or if you’re looking for something lush and introspective whilst you sit at home wondering what is happening to our cricket team, check out “Bottle.”
– Darren Gubbins
