Black Popes - Broader Meadows (08/11/2012)
Black Popes challenge one of Melbourne’s best known suburbs with the release of Broader Meadows. Just from looking at the cover of this album you can see that these guys aren’t afraid to poke fun at themselves. This kind of attitude lends itself to a sound that is unpretentious but also unafraid to take risks. It allows you to let the band get away with certain things such as harmonica and doo-wops that run the risk of being corny or out-of-place. Actually, in a strange sort of way, it all fits together nicely.
The opening track Believe ties with the underlying theme of self-reflection highlighted through the metaphor of large bodies of water. The song does a perfect job of acting as the self-doubt that you carry with you when assessing who you are. It serves as a perfect introduction to the album’s theme.
Human Needs is a haunting track which fills you with a mix of emotions. The bright guitar gives this sombre song a pop feel and is definitely the standout. This is followed closely by the simplistic vocals which relate back to the unpretentious feel of this album. They draw you in without resorting to showing off which would be distracting and unnecessary.
Described simply as “a doo-wop love song with the acronym for Intensive Care Unit incorporated in the title”, When I C U closes the album similarly to many discos; a slow love song which will wrangle the last few couples left to the dance floor. Whether it is meant to be taken seriously or not, it is definitely a gorgeous track and it entices me back for one more dance.
Broader Meadows is a bit of an eclectic album which is brought together to create an interesting sound. Somehow, it avoids being an odd collection of songs. Rather, it presents itself as a story set to music. Self-reflection has never been so much fun.
Natalia Baranowski
The opening track Believe ties with the underlying theme of self-reflection highlighted through the metaphor of large bodies of water. The song does a perfect job of acting as the self-doubt that you carry with you when assessing who you are. It serves as a perfect introduction to the album’s theme.
Human Needs is a haunting track which fills you with a mix of emotions. The bright guitar gives this sombre song a pop feel and is definitely the standout. This is followed closely by the simplistic vocals which relate back to the unpretentious feel of this album. They draw you in without resorting to showing off which would be distracting and unnecessary.
Described simply as “a doo-wop love song with the acronym for Intensive Care Unit incorporated in the title”, When I C U closes the album similarly to many discos; a slow love song which will wrangle the last few couples left to the dance floor. Whether it is meant to be taken seriously or not, it is definitely a gorgeous track and it entices me back for one more dance.
Broader Meadows is a bit of an eclectic album which is brought together to create an interesting sound. Somehow, it avoids being an odd collection of songs. Rather, it presents itself as a story set to music. Self-reflection has never been so much fun.
Natalia Baranowski