Methyl Ethel – the sonic and iconic output of one Jake Webb – have just release another eclectic, dynamic slab of synth-based dance pop in the form of ‘Talk Louder’. It’s a jittery hyperactive hustle – Webb’s distinctive vocals lending a disco falsetto spin over the pulsating rhythms that high step through the speakers. It has all the hallmarks of some sort of musical attention deficit disorder wriggling underneath the surface. Webb says of the track:
I recently made a few songs to play on a dock, in Fremantle harbour, in a pop-up township for an arts festival. I wanted to just make something fresh and free spirited, without too much thought, be instinctual. This, in part, is definitely a reaction to the album I just finished, which I worked on for about two years. The whole song, lyrics and all came out very stream-of-conscious, nothing was written down. For me, they reflect a certain ‘caught in your own head’ feeling that, I suppose, was partially the impetus for the music to begin with.
Indeed, there is an aquatic free fall element to the movement of the song that is infectious and joyous. Methyl Ethel are indeed proving to be a fascinating innovator of sound: carving out a distinct songwriting craft yet reflecting the general air of carefree creativity that seems to emanate from Western Australia. The accompanying lyric video was produced by Joe Agius of Pollen Arts Club:
‘Talk Louder’ is available to download and stream here.
Methyl Ethel will be performing at at Byron Bay’s Splendour in the Grass next week along with an amazing array of talent including Gorillaz, DMA’s and The Strokes.
Feature Photograph: Xan Thorrhoea
