The Breakdown
Tasmania’s cosmic overlords, Golden Sunbird, have released their latest single, Heart of the Universe amidst a four track EP brimming with the timeless wonders of space and time.
The EP serves as a wrap around for the single, and second track on the EP, Heart of the Universe, with the remaining tracks being predominantly instrumental, and carefully crafted to highlight the brilliance of the title track.
Written by Luke Thomas on a 12 string acoustic guitar, the song brings a classic 70’s folk rock sound with accompanying lyrical storytelling, Mellotron strings and vocal harmonies. ‘The track’s lyrics frame the story of the starship traveling into the Heart of the Universe and also metaphorically contemplates life and death in these earthly vessels’.
However, make no mistake, this song, and in fact the whole EP, sits firmly in the progressive/space rock/psychedelia area and is a testament to the band’s growing stature in the genre. The vocal delivery in Heart of the Universe is swathed in reverb and gives a near-genuine sense of the infinite depth of outer space and the cosmos, with a palpable feeling of deep serenity and an aura of floating into eternity. There are definite hints of the early 70’s golden era of space rock, with the vocals even touching on a Led Zeppelin-esque vibe.
The other three tracks on the EP are predominantly instrumental in nature, with the lengthy songs (the shortest of which, Eye of the Storm, is just over 7 minutes long) creating vast celestial soundscapes which draw the listener into the universe Golden Sunbird are creating with their music.
The titles of the remaining two songs, In Metamorphosis of Light and Pillars of Creation, both 8+ minute epics, are indicative of the direction and mood that the band wish the audience to traverse along in conjunction with them.
Along with nods to the likes of Hawkwind, there are strong influences of early Pink Floyd and some of the slow motorik beats and the gently-washing synth rhythms reminiscent of krautrock bands such as Tangerine Dream.
Following on from their debut self-titled EP, and the sophomore Inner Landscapes//Outer Worlds EP, Heart of the Universe continues the evolving trajectory of Golden Sunbird as they navigate through the vast reaches of the psychedelic universe with delightful twists and turns that take them into an ever-expanding, and exciting sonic palette.
Heart of the Universe was mixed by Luke Thomas, with mastering by Cheekbone (Full Flower Moon Band, Greta Stanley). Cover art painted by Yasmin Thomas with acrylic on canvas, logo by Alexis Zirrit.
Feature image and album artwork: As supplied
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