Buchanan - No Photo EP (20/07/2011)
After winning the Triple Unearthed Laneway Festival Competition earlier this year, Melbourne band Buchanan have released their debut EP, No Photo. Recording the record in late 2010, the songs have being fully formed and mastered to an excellent quality, which is rare for a first offering from a group of this nature. With there being such a saturation of indie pop groups from Australia and around the world appearing in the last few years, any band wanting to break into this market needs to have a something to set them apart from the rest. However, with singer Josh Simons rich and layered locals and the intricate guitar work from Jon Bara, these immensely talented musicians may just be the next big thing in the local scene.
The first track, Moon, opens with a distinct clap-along drum beat which is soon joined by swelling keyboards and the soaring vocals of Simons. It sounds much like a slightly mellower version of Phoenix, is very catchy and a great start to the record. Mr Keeperman is a likeable upbeat summery pop tune and its sound is reminiscent of the many indie groups who have been gaining popularity of the past few years such as Two Door Cinema Club and Jonsi.
Waiting is a wonderfully breezy tune which can get stuck in your head for hours at a time. From the opening notes of Teachers it is very clear that Arcade Fire is a big influence for the band. The layered vocals are a standout on the melodic track which features a string section that perfectly compliments the soaring chorus. It’s easy to see why it was given a 5 star review by Triple J upon its release and gained heavy rotation on the airwaves. Aisles is another fantastic tune which resembles Coldplay’s recent material, except this features interesting pop hooks and astounding melodies, while Waiting on a Sound is a pleasant change with the now single-layered vocals of Simons backed by a simple acoustic guitar.
The sound that the band can produce is astonishing and proves how truly talented they are. What Buchannan has made here is a brilliant debut EP which showcases all of their abilities to make some damn impressive indie pop tunes. This reviewer has no doubt that this is a band to look for in 2012 and they definitely have the capabilities that have seen Aussie acts, The Temper Trap and Tame Impala gain a horde or local and international fans.
Sebastian Betten
The first track, Moon, opens with a distinct clap-along drum beat which is soon joined by swelling keyboards and the soaring vocals of Simons. It sounds much like a slightly mellower version of Phoenix, is very catchy and a great start to the record. Mr Keeperman is a likeable upbeat summery pop tune and its sound is reminiscent of the many indie groups who have been gaining popularity of the past few years such as Two Door Cinema Club and Jonsi.
Waiting is a wonderfully breezy tune which can get stuck in your head for hours at a time. From the opening notes of Teachers it is very clear that Arcade Fire is a big influence for the band. The layered vocals are a standout on the melodic track which features a string section that perfectly compliments the soaring chorus. It’s easy to see why it was given a 5 star review by Triple J upon its release and gained heavy rotation on the airwaves. Aisles is another fantastic tune which resembles Coldplay’s recent material, except this features interesting pop hooks and astounding melodies, while Waiting on a Sound is a pleasant change with the now single-layered vocals of Simons backed by a simple acoustic guitar.
The sound that the band can produce is astonishing and proves how truly talented they are. What Buchannan has made here is a brilliant debut EP which showcases all of their abilities to make some damn impressive indie pop tunes. This reviewer has no doubt that this is a band to look for in 2012 and they definitely have the capabilities that have seen Aussie acts, The Temper Trap and Tame Impala gain a horde or local and international fans.
Sebastian Betten