★★★★★
Like a bruise turning technicolour, Flowertruck’sDirtis a stunning example of the way the everyday can be made extraordinary.
Distinctly, determinedly Australian, yet never exclusive or niche, it is the most impressive debut EP in Lord knows how long: a fully formed, stupendously original record, rather than a nervous run-up.
There’s a staggeringly large amount to like here, from Will Blackburn’s pin-precise drumming on ‘Nail Gun’, to the singularly compelling combination of Sarah Sykes’ backing vocals and her nourishing keyboard playing, to Hamish Dobinson’s warped, weather-worn harmonies.
‘Sunshower’, for example, is a messy, glorious oxymoron; a perfect example of the band’s essential cross-purposes and contrasts. Somehow reaching crystal clear perfection by way of utter anarchy, Flowertruck repeatedly prove to be as considered as they are chaotic, drawing on a whole host of influences and genre touchstones.
Rubbed-raw choruses rule the day, and there’s a jangly, utterly endearing nervous energy to the whole piece. The shaky sweetness of a song like ‘Bad Dreams’ is more impressive upon every listen, and the vocal performance of lead singer Charles Rushforth careens from that of a marble-mouthed lounge singer to a rock’n’roll master’s soulful tremor in a way that is uniquely exciting.
Flowertruck’sDirtis out now through Spunk.
