★★★★
The title of Ferla’s debut EP is a telling synopsis, indicating the Melbourne songwriter has indulged in some of his daggier influences.
Across the four tracks, there are hints of everything from Randy Newman to Scott Walker, Bryan Ferry and Echo and The Bunnymen.
It begins with ‘Breakups Are Hard For Everybody’;an exercise in pop pathos narrated by someone in a crumbling relationship. It’s also an infectious introduction to the EP’s kitschy production aesthetic – rudimentary drum programming and processed guitar convey a somewhat glossy, yet very homemade touch.
On ‘I’m Nobody’s Baby Now’, Ferla attempts to play the stern tough guy, backed by a robust new wave beat. Then his sentimental side gets exposed on the splendid, near-baroque epic, ‘In The Night’. The erstwhile guardedness prevents us from experiencing the full extent of Ferla’s vocal range, but he uses it here to depict a fantasy sequence of unresolved longing. The EP closes with ‘You’re There’, which speaks openly of infatuation over a organ-led, downbeat arrangement.
It’s a melancholic conclusion, which suggests the EP title could in fact relate to its thematic focus, rather than stylistic decisions.
Ferla’s Guilt Pop is available independently.
