Hailing from an incredibly artistic family of painters, film makers, and designers it’s no wonder that Hello Anxiety, the debut EP from Australia’s Guineafowl, is five songs of lyrical dream-pop.
Recorded in two locations, only one of which was a real studio, this record is dripping with character; from the original laptop recorded vocals on ‘Botanist’ to the glossy surf-pop production on ‘My Lonely Bones’ through its incessantly addictive rhythms and whip smart lyrics, this record makes its mark on you. Even demo track ‘Mother’ is so self-assured that its lo-fi attitude is delivered more as a deliberate choice to achieve an ethereal quality that suits Guineafowl’s voice to a tee.
From the first lyric that Guineafowl lazily yawns out “we form in our circles/to discuss things with purpose” it’s clear that he is a story teller and this sounds like a cut and paste scrapbook of memories involving fuck-ups, successes, and everything that makes you want to dance in between. Basing his songs on poems it’s no wonder that this is such a lyrical debut: “so I’m saying that I can’t go a day without you fucking my brain,” potentially this knowledge might lead you to believe that Guineafowl isn’t very original, but you know creative licence and all that. Besides, name a big film that’s not been a sequel or remake in the past year. You can’t, so why should the rules be any different for music?
The lyrics aren’t only beautiful in content, but the delivery too is phenomenally chilled out creating a relaxed atmosphere while the music runs circles around you. ‘In Our Circles’ creates this initial feeling by slowly building up with similar verses and a steady drum beat before introducing us to his electro indulgences which the remainder of his debut takes its time to thoroughly explore. This mix of slowly paced drums, faded guitars, and the occasional synth loop is what makes Guineafowl so dreamy. He creates hazy pop that would be perfect in his Australian beach landscape, but it transcends that locale through universality and topicality “we can change the planets/not they even matter/all except for Pluto/ Pluto’s not a planet.”
This five man band uses these five songs to make sure you not only know the name Guineafowl, but that you remember it. Hello Anxiety is an easy EP to fall in love with and even easier to like, it appeals to just about everyone whether you’re into deciphering lyrics, getting lost in the music, or just having a good time. This stellar debut offers you the opportunity to sing along, to dance, or to cry. The future is Gunieafowl’s for the taking and if this is any indication of what’s to come you’ll want to be around when he swoops.
Release date: 20/06/2011
[rating:5]
