by Chook Race
Chook Race Around The House (PBS feature record)
Despite a string of singles and EPs over the last few years, Chook Race kept us all waiting for their self-released debut, appropriately titled About Time – a highlight of 2015. To make amends the Melbourne garage pop trio have wasted no time releasing a second assured LP, Around the House. Released locally by burgeoning Brisbane label Tenth Court – which has quickly established itself as one of the most interesting underground labels in Australia – and internationally by Trouble in Mind, the US home of fellow Melbourne janglers Dick Diver, the band’s sophomore full-length is all harmonies, hooks and singalong choruses – as perfectly demonstrated by lead singles ‘Sometimes’ and ‘At My Door’.
The Go-Betweens’ Robert Forster said that the three-piece band is the purest form of rock and roll expression. Around the House is pure not only for being the work of the archetypal three-piece, but also for having been recorded in a single day. Aren’t all the best albums? These ten expertly crafted pop songs are all charm and no fuss – studio embellishments aren’t necessary when the songs are this good. As in many of Forster’s songs, the mundane is celebrated by Chook Race; familiar and relatable, without ever resorting to cliché or sounding asinine. Released just in time for their maiden US tour including shows at Memphis’ legendary Gonerfest, Around the House is an excellent follow-up from a much-loved constant on Melbourne’s live scene, which will deservedly see them find new fans abroad.
Angel Olsen My Woman (Featured on The Breakfast Spread)
It seems that Angel Olsen is a musician who can do anything she puts her mind to. Her latest album, My Woman, is a giant leap in sophistication from her last (already stunning) record Burn Your Fire For No Witness. Lyrically this is about love and connection – the frustrations, anger, confusion that it stirs. But she also manages to evoke the dreaminess of being in love; the very reasons we persist and put up with the hurt. Musically My Woman builds on Burn Your Fire and lets us into a more personal space in Angel's psyche. The second half of the record is quieter, like a reflection on the first six songs. In 'Woman' she sings “Tell me that love isn't true” – while she can't live without it, it's using up too much of her energy. From start to finish My Woman is an impeccable record, expressing the complexities of a relationship in a direct, captivating way. One of the albums of the year to date, this is Angel Olsen at her best so far.
Review by Cat McGauran (The Breakfast Spread)
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