Qualified optimism never sounded so melancholic and measured than in the beautiful debut single from The Petrov Affair, a Sydney trio consisting of Murray Lee (Vocals, Keyboards, Guitar), Bruce Thomas (Guitar, Vocals) and Glenn Cone (Bass). Members were formerly in the band The Lee Three.
‘Back On Top’ has a stately and yearning piano riff spine that creates a haunting pattern hovering at the edges of the song, while the guitars add a dirty, scuzzy undercurrent. There are delicious harmonies that add to the wry, weary vocal tones that bring the apparently hopeful and optimistic lyrics down to the ground – my confidence is growing because tonight my friends they seem to care. A clever tension between hope and the cynical and sober reality about the exigencies of life and transience of happiness:
I’m back on top
this might only last a while
just enjoy this short trial
I’m back on top
This is a delightfully framed sentiment delivered via a beautifully reflective instrumentation:
Another product of the Marrickville Sound I go on about ad infinitum? I think so. There is an album on the way and The Petrov Affair will be launching the single at the Gasoline Pony on 10 July 2021 – details here.
You can get the single through the link below:
For those who were wondering, the Petrov Affair was a real incident in Australia during the Cold War involving all sorts of spying and Russian operatives. More here.
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