The story behind the new single, ‘Mexican Holiday’, from Tim Ayre has all the hallmarks of a Hunter S Thompson fable involving unhinged characters, consumption of illicit substances, wild journeys and all manners of excess. Appropriate, then, that the song and accompanying video has a bright effervescent indie pop low-fi vibe that exudes a whiff of unusual chemicals and a bucket full of cheer.
Ayre explains more about the inspiration for the song:
So my friend Paul went on a holiday to Mexico in 2014, he was having a break from Uni and was meant to be there for a few months. He ended up eating heaps of Peyote one night and deleted all his social media – he hasn’t ever been back to Australia and I haven’t really heard from him since. Apparently he works at a beach bar making cocktails now. I planned to and try find him last year … but COVID hit, so this song is about the trip that could have been.
The charming lackadaisical and relaxed approach to this bizarre, and let’s face, rather comical tale (albeit tinged with some tragedy as the best comedy is) flows into the song. A ramshackle piano riff plonks us in to the pure pop melody and Beach Boys-high harmonies: with an ineffable charm matched by Ayre’s casual Big Lebowski-esque flapping dressing gown attire. You cannot wipe the smile off your dial as this launches into a brilliant pop tune that canters along at a dizzying speed. Did I mention charming? Check out the slacker-celebrating video:
Ayre’s voice is delightful: a languid, evocative delivery that is tinged with melancholy, contrasting with the day-glo pop instrumentation. The track has a dream pop sheen that sparkles with an uniquely Australian laconic grin.
The track is off Ayres’s EP ‘Modern Life’ due out on 31 May 2021 through Kitsuné Musique. You can download/stream the single here.
