We are frozen with joy at being able to bring you an exclusive appraisal of the new single from post rock instrumental ensemble Badinage, out of the cultural petri dish that is Melbourne. ‘Surfin” is a sweeping expansive instrumental that marries the heavy yet delicate thrum of a cello with arpeggiated guitars to create an epic sonic journey that is both uplifting and melancholic.
Badinage paint a massive pulsating sonic painting in their music: glittering, shining and anthemic with an instrumentation that recalls the music of bands like Died Pretty with the emotional impact and pulse quickening thrills of Sigur Rós or Mogwai. It is an immense sound from a trio that is evocative and breathtaking, touched with an element of psychedelia and grounded by an indie pop rock sensibility.
Badinage has an impressive heritage with cellist/bassist Simon Capp (Rhythm Pigs, Blue Ruin), guitarist Dave Reid (Speedway, The Likely Lads, Yard Dogs) and drummer Matt Omond (Cactus, Still Life Clowns, The Ayatollahs) on board. Reid says of the track’s rhythm and flow are influenced by the sea and surfing:
It’s like dropping into a wave. And the end is almost like getting dumped!
Capp adds:
The last verse with its solid undertone reminds me of a massive wave heading slowly but inexorably towards the shore. Eventually breaking up in an explosion of foam.
Indeed there is an aquatic pulse to the track, and a fitting soundtrack to the breathtaking gorgeous video accompanying it, interspersing the band performing with a sweep over pounding oceans and the mesmerising glide of surfers:
The track stands by itself as telling an epic tale without the need for words: evoking brilliant imagery with its sonic landscapes.
The single is out through all the usual download and streaming sites on Friday, 24 February 2023 and is just a taste of Badinage’s new EP entitled ‘Meander, out on 10 March 2023. You can pre-save the EP here. ‘Meander’ was produced by the iconic Phill Calvert, Capp’s one-time rhythm partner in local 80s legends Blue Ruin and drummer for iconic bands such as The Boys Next Door/The Birthday Party and The Psychedelic Furs.
You can also catch the trio in action launching the EP – details below.
Badinage – Meander EP Launch @ Wesley Anne, Sunday March 26th, 3-6pm
