the neverbells
Reviewed by Chelsea Sinnott
Published online 4 March 2010
ep: dreamland
Dreamland is a brand new release from brand new Adelaide outfit The Neverbells who have been causing a bit of a stir in local media of late. The Neverbells are comprised of members of various other Adelaide bands from the last 10 years, and thus one can appreciate that the for a first release, the quality of music, song writing and recording is naturally better than that of most Adelaide band's debut.
Opening track ‘Gift’ sets the tone for the release, broody, melodic music which is layered with Kaliah Alice’s unique vocals. There are some great harmonies in this track, I can’t help feeling that the music takes a backseat to the vocals in the mix of the track, though.
Title track ‘Dreamland’ is an upbeat jazzy number, very funky bass line, key boards and vocals interweave with percussive vocals to create a great lounge track. The addition of some horns early on in this piece would really make it a killer song.
A more sombre ‘Second Chance’ leads into the middle of the EP, The Neverbells seem to miss whatever it is that they are aiming for with this song, and unfortunately, it lacks dynamics and gets a little repetitive.
Angie Hart would be impressed with Fortunes Door, the upbeat pop track channelling a bit of Frente’s ‘Accidentally Kelly Street’ providing a light hearted reprise before the sombre ‘Places’. ‘Places’ opens with a beautiful piano solo, and for the first time in this EP we get a real idea of what Kaliah Alice is actually capable of as a vocalist and a lyricist. There is a wonderful emotional build at the end of this track in which the band emits desperation and determination that is really well captured in the song.
Acoustic track ‘Twenty First Day’ is a long, slow lament that Kate Miller-Heidke has made fashionable again; unfortunately in this instance the song doesn’t really build to anything and is essentially is the weakest track on the album.
Dreamland finishes up with closing track ‘Let Myself Down’, and yep, this song is a bit of a let down too. The frustration and despair expressed in the lyrics aren’t emphasised by the music, and it all seems a little lacklustre.
Dreamland is an adventurous output for such a young band in terms of how long The Neverbells have been making music together. It’s clear that they are capable of more depth and maturity in their musical endeavours though, and I look forward to seeing where these guys go with their song writing.
