Reviewed by: Tobias Handke

Published:  15 December 2011

ep: don't you forget about me

Including a cover song on an album - or on an EP in this case - is always a risky move, but an even greater one when it’s the first track and the title of the record. But this hasn’t deterred well-known local singer songwriter Tristan Newsome, under the alias Self Preservation Society, who has done just this on his latest EP "Don’t You Forgot About Me."

It’s obvious from the title and Photoshopped 'Breakfast Club' cover art that Newsome has chosen the '80s classic to cover. The unexpected thing is that Newsome does justice to the tune, staying close to the original’s homely feel. Stripped of synth and backed only by his guitar, Newsome’s pleasant vocals are tinged with regret, giving the Simple Minds classic a more folky vibe. While not adding to the history of the original tune, it’s a hell of a lot better than the Billy Idol version, and worth a listen.

Anyone familiar with Newsome’s sound will no doubt be impressed with the remaining 4 tracks on the EP. Indebted to legendary songwriters Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Paul Kelly and the like, the EP is full of Newsome’s heart-on-his-sleeve lyrics and acoustic meanderings, featuring the brooding honesty of ‘Modest Man’ and the Kelly-esque ‘Childhood’.

Final track ‘Rattle My Bones’ includes the banjo and Newsome's harmonies that straddle two octaves, inviting bluegrass comparisons, but it’s ‘Stix Boat Ride’ that’s the pick of the bunch. Also featuring similarly toned harmonies, the track echoes the female/male ballads of the '60s. The rambling acoustic guitar and themes of loss and depression add a darker country edge, making this one of Newsome’s best efforts yet.

'Don’t You Forget About Me' continues Self Preservation Society’s output of entertaining EPs and Newsome’s continued growth as a writer. Hopefully there is a full-length album on the way, but until then, this is the perfect stopgap or starting point for music lovers.