There are nearly 700 Canberra bands with tracks on the TripleJunearthed website. In 2011 we’re going to explore them.
First off the rank, selected at random with my trusty THAC0 iphone app, is Distance Fallen who describe themselves thusly:
In the quiet suburbs of Canberra, a desperate, honest and exciting sound is emerging. Distance Fallen, after months of writing, rewriting and rehearsals are ready to unleash their brand of acoustic punk rock upon unsuspecting listeners Australia-wide. Comprising of just three members, Kevin Stewart on vocals and guitar, Matthew Dennis playing bass and backup vocals and Sean Ford on drums and percussion, they each bring different influences to the Distance Fallen sound. “We’ve all been influenced by a range of artists from a range of eras” Stewart says, “from Against Me! to Crowded House, Propagandhi to early jazz”. From these influences Distance Fallen have come up with a range of punk inspired acoustic tracks infused with their own chilled-out, laid-back style. Currently in the recording process for their debut EP, Distance Fallen are planning to have their first full length released by mid 2008. Stewart says that these will both be produced and distributed independently. “We’re all really into the DIY ethic, we just want the opportunity to show ourselves the way we are and the way we would like to be”.
They’ve only got two tracks up on the site, and this 37 generalist old will admit that both “sounds like” and “influences” were a mystery. Such is the price of being really into a scene.
Tracks:
City Lights:
The vocals in the recording are a bit on the muddy side. Which is a shame because there are some reasonably poignant lyrics going on here.
While City Lights is a moody sort of rock song the chorus breaks out into a genuine toe-tapper, and the jangling guitars are good value.
Sleeping on Floors:
With a genuine modern punk sound (more Blink182 than Sex Pistols) I suspect this song is an enditement of housing affordability in Canberra and the plight of the youth who survive by couch surfing.
“Let’s take another chance
and wake up on some other floor”
(If the lyrics were a little cleaner we could be sure of that)
Overall:
Recording quality lets down what are two pretty worthwhile songs, but doesn’t make them unlistenable.
Don’t be put off by the punk rock tag. Both songs (if produced and mastered) could be played on commercial radio (and would be a great improvement over vocoded top 40 offerings).
If you like your music moody then it’s well worth a listen.
***1/2