John Steel Singers, The - In Colour (EP)
» The Grates - Governor Hindmarsh, SA - October 12, 2008
I feel like I almost had a revelation while listening to the John Steel Singers’ sophomore EP, In Colour. But before you get excited and think the single is life-changing, let me assure you that it has more to do with the repetition of the musical themes as found on their previous EP, The Beagle and The Dove.
You see, when the first record was initially released, it sounded fresh and exciting. Moreover, one of its most endearing qualities was that it didn’t sound like it was trying to copycat a popular trend, but instead they seemed to be experimenting and forging their own unique sound. It’s just too bad that they have currently stumbled upon a roadblock, because the cute pop is a bit tired. I also find myself unsure whether the music is designed for children, adults or those “big kids” who collect cartoon paraphernalia and visit Disneyland (despite not actually having a child).
The collection peaks with the opening song, Rainbow Kraut, one that is filled with rollicking distortion akin to the Queens Of The Stone Age, but with melodious harmonies like The Beatles. At times very dreamy and psychedelic sounding, I feel like I’m on the Yellow Submarine Mark II.
Subsequent track, Luxembourg however, uses the same circus background scene as the other songs in their catalogue. And while a little childish-sounding, it also contains lyrics like: “Hey man, I smell your apathy.”
This is followed by Mother with the guys playing around on ukuleles (it’s been done) and you can almost see the girls in grass skirts performing a hula-dance, while the band sing about a casino in Reno.
In sum, the tracks are indicative of the group’s sound but it would have been nicer to hear either extra experimentation or a more solid progression in the songwriting. But then, some people don’t seem to mind this, otherwise how could you explain AC/DC and their own fifteen records that sound the same?
