The Hummingbirds have a permanent place in the annals of indie rock history in Australia, shining brightly but altogether too briefly for a period in the late eighties early nineties (check out their single ‘Blush‘). It is therefore with the greatest pleasure that Backseat Mafia exclusively brings you the new solo single from the band’s singer/guitarist Alannah Russack, ‘Places You Love’. With the Entropy Band behind her, Russack shows exactly why The Hummingbirds had such an impact: her indelible ear for melody, vocals that have a velvet soft shine and jangly crystalline guitars that ring out and linger long in the mind.
Russack says of the track:
It was written when reflecting on years gone, that feed the urge to continue on with hope. It jangles, pops, yearns and drives headlong into summer.
Perhaps a subtle nod to the way too early death over four years ago of Simon Holmes, founding singer and guitarist of The Hummingbirds, the song is about past relationships and the impact on memories and places. With the swirling organs, dancing piano and layered harmonies, the track sparkles brightly with a blush of yearning and sadness.
It is indeed just the panacea for a nation emerging from months of COVID-led deprivation as the antipodean summer launches: a breezy sweeping track that induces swooning and reverie:
‘Places You Love’ is out on Monday, 13 December 2021 through all the usual download and streaming sites and watch out for a debut solo album in early 2022 entitled ‘As Memories Pass Each Other’.
‘Places You Love’ written by Alannah Russack and Paul McNeil
Performed by:
Alannah Russack- vocals, guitar
Jadey O’Regan- keyboards
Marc Scully- bass
Paul Staddon- guitar, backing vocals
Shane Melder- drums
Safari Lee- backing vocals
Feature Photograph: Alison Stewart Photography
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