It's a pleasure listening to the music of Buckley Ward. It's even better knowing they're up-and-coming Australian talent (Melbournians, to be precise). With their second album, 'So Pretend' hitting shelves today and a tour not far behind, we'll definitely be hearing more from this band.
Recently signed to Shock, the group recorded and produced 'So Pretend' themselves, and had it mixed by Tony Espie, whose previous work includes Architecture in Helsinki and The Avalanches - and is done so pleasantly, with the multitude of instruments existing in harmony. It's a tight album that's been well thought through. It's based in pop, but its expands far exceed the genre.
'INTO THE DARKENING BLUE' - BUCKLEY WARD
With a voice not dissimilar to Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig, lead vocalist Jimmy Allen brings the band's poetic images to life. 'So Pretend' is well written, both musically and lyrically - from start to end, it's pleasantly easy to listen to. Overall, the album has touches of the 1980s to drive it along, particularly 'Status Quo' with its synth and electronic tones.
'Into The Darkening Blue' (the video for the track can be found on this page) is an upbeat, catchy tune with just a touch of Ben Lee - it's a visual extravaganza. The track 'Monsters' (contrary to the title) is light and acoustically driven, inundated with slick harmonies.
The album has touches of the 1980s to drive it along, particularly 'Status Quo' with its synth and electronic tones.
Buckley Ward definitely has a musical success in 'So Pretend'. The only downfall to the album is not its differences, but its similarities - tracks start to blend in with others, with a similar tempo the mainstay of the album. This does not, however, make the album any less enjoyable - Buckley Ward is worth checking out if you're looking for something mellow with adept lyrics.
For all the details of their album launch tour, visit the Buckley Ward Huddle page by clicking here.
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