If you were ever to look up the meaning of power pop in a decent thesaurus or in Wikipedia, then in any accurate discussion, The Low Priorities would rate a mention as an exemplary example. There is so much power in this pop, you need extra strong sunglasses and a weighty ballast to stop your feet dancing away into the horizon.
Their debut album ‘Dice’ lands on the perfect number: a collection of jingle jangle jewels that veritably sparkle with their melodic strength, glorious harmonies and anthemic qualities. It’s put a rictus smile on my face as the glow it casts warms even the coldest air here at the southern outpost of Backseat Mafia, at the very edge of the world.
From the opening title track there is a dynamic interaction between a rumbling wandering bass and the shimmering guitars driven by a powerful percussion that powers the track. All surfing on melodies that are indelible, laced with a little heavenly melancholia and a twelve string tremble.
‘Somewhere In Between’ and ‘Darwin ’42’ continue with the same crystalline production and melodic strength, laced with a yearning delivery.
There is a melange of Teenage Fanclub and XTC, laced with an antipodean blush that encompasses bands like The Church, Ups And Downs, The Bats and The Chills as well as other local power pop exponents like The Nature Strip and Brian Estepa.
There is range – ‘Monochrome Decree’ has an almost glam rock stomp, ‘San Miguel’ has a rock drive with its chunky guitars and its themes bring a tear to the eye, referencing an old venue from North Sydney where many a night was spent listening to local and international band (I recall seeing The Fixx there). It’s an anthemic beauty.
Songs like ‘Vivienne and ‘Strawberry Gum’ are glorious vignettes filled with a pop sensibilities and a nuclear shimmer.
So there’s an element of nostalgia for sure in themes and music, but it’s a glowing re-invention for modern times with a freshness and vitality. I know nothing about the genesis of this band – were its member in past bands and therefore another example of the Marrickville Sound? Or are they debutantes that are truly new to this? It’s all a little mysterious but they debut as a fully fledged band that has an exciting vibrant sound.
‘Dice’ is out now through Gentian Records. You can catch the band launching the album this Saturday afternoon at The Gasoline Pony with St Peters- the band.
The Low Priorities are:
James Geach – bass, vocals
Dan Keary – drums, vocals
David Orwell – guitars, lead vocals
