Great Gable
Golden Slums
Across The Road Music
There I was, sitting on my couch on a Wednesday afternoon, hitting refresh on my computer as excited as a child checking under their pillow for the tooth fairy’s visit. I had the pre-release of Great Gable’s latest single being sent to my inbox. As I waited, I thought about all the things I loved about the local group of four. I thought about how their songs felt like waves crashing along the foreshore. I thought about how impressive their debut album was. Yet unfortunately, once I’d heard their latest single, Golden Slums, I thought to myself, “oh, is that it?”
Before you hate me for this review, you should know I hate myself more. I really wanted to give this song a 10. The worst part of being a music critic is criticising musicians you listen to a lot. Especially local talent that represent your beloved hometown. But, it is with deep regret that I admit my gut reaction to Golden Slums was overshadowed by the level of sheer admiration I have for their debut album.
All the flavours were there. The song stands fairly solidly with an interesting intro and a riff that feels good on the earbuds. The song’s meaning is decisive and lead singer Alex Whiteman’s lyrics paint sharp pictures along the chords eloquently. But if it was a sandwich, I would have wondered where the sauce was. The song has a lot to bite into, but not enough to roll it over your tongue. It almost feels rushed. There wasn’t the same careful melody as present on previous tracks like Drift or Taste. It just wasn’t enough to keep the wolves satisfied.
What I picture is missing will probably be present in the live version. I hope to hell that the bass line in the intro gets a bloody spotlight. I hope they surprise us with a saxophone player during the first and second chorus to just push up that chord progression to another level. I hope I can go back and rewrite this with a new score when we check them out at The Rosemount Hotel on December 14.
ANNIE MUNROE
triple j Unearthed Jukebox
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