Dishpan Fingers
Ballarat, Victoria, Australia | SELF
Music
Press
Dishpan Fingers is the curious moniker of Ballarat singer/songwriter Cameron Ross and this here set of 12 songs is his debut. From the moment you behold the cover image and pick up the CD package, the whole release smacks of class. A quick look at some of the folk involved in the project – Melbourne underground genius Ross McLennan, sound engineer Casey Rice, etc – reinforces the impression that this is no half-baked effort.
From the get go Flicker & Swirl sounds gorgeous- understated strings, keys and percussion dressing Ross’s singing and guitar playing with distinction.
Ross himself also demonstrates an understanding of restraint; both his guitar playing and singing are evidence of this with plenty of space to engender sonic chiaroscuro. The quieter spaces invite the listener to look forward to the next vocal phrase rather than wishing the singer would shut up for five seconds. And well placed little diversions, such as the waves of feedback guitar in ‘Harbour the Vulture’ also help to keep you on your toes.
Citing influences such as Bill Callahan, Paul Kelly and Elliot Smith, it’s clear that Ross values intelligent, literate songwriting and he has plenty to say on Flicker & Swirl. There are pages of articulate lyrics – if anything Ross might learn to condense these down to the essential nuggets that really strike and stick. But, as I mentioned, the songs never seem overcrowded for that which is a considerable achievement.
Martin Jones
Rhythms Feb, 2010
Australia’s Roots Music Monthly
- Rhythms Magazine
Discography
Debut album "Flicker & Swirl" is available digitally through Low Transit Industries. 'Harbour the Vulture' received airplay at J Play on 'Home an Hosed' and 'Roots 'N All', making Dishpan Fingers a featured unearthed artist. Dishpan Fingers has been interviewed on Triple R and ABC radio. Two songs from "Flicker & Swirl" (Birds Fall Quickly' and 'Team Persecution' were shortlisted for the Finals of MusicOz Songwriting Competition, 2010. Live footage can be found on YouTube courtesy of University of Ballarat's Live Production team.
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Bio
Dishpan Fingers puddles with narratives that evoke the kind of incidental storytelling of artists such as Paul Kelly and Smog's Bill Callahan. Infectious melodies and gentle guitar embellishments create songs of melodic familiarity with an alt-folk backdrop. Quirk meets angst, transparent lyricism combines with sweet understated songs, forming the song craft of Dishpan Fingers. Based in the regional city of Ballarat, Victoria, Dishpan Fingers has been busy recording and playing live throughout the region.
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