The Removalists

Jan
18
posted by tommy

It’s hard to pick and choose between the bands that make up Melbournes #chillmate scene (© Darren Levin 2012) since a good many of them, well… they sound quite similar, let’s say that. I know it’s sacrilege to say that of a sound so presently ‘with it’ but Australian accent + lo fi + “jangling” guitar does not always maketh a good song. Sometimes it does but not inherently. I should clarify before some black and whitist makes this a sticking point in every future comments section; There’s some really fantastic bands coming out of that scene right now but we’re surely on the cusp of critical mass. Some less than savoury bands are beginning to ape some only slightly more savoury bands who are in turn aping the early proponents of said sound.

The Removalists were a sure choice for me because the vocal delivery isn’t a charicature of itself, the guitars actually resolve into melody and there’s lyrical substance throughout the four tracks (‘Better With Age’ without doubt referencing Ecclesiastes). And for a little extra flavour, the band take leaf out of the Sleigh Bells playbook distorting the low end on ‘Young Adults’ and ‘Better With Age’. Anyway, three excellent tracks and an interesting, pianoed interlude make up what I have no trouble recommending you: The Removalists’ Semi Professional EP

They’ve been relatively prolific these past few years with a treasure trove of back catalogue for you to taste as well as a series of album arts that suggest a serious natal fixation? Also, tough band name to google, this one.




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