Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
There's little shortage of bands paying homage to the brooding psych sound popularised by 1980s UK artists like My Bloody Valentine and the Jesus and Mary Chain. But it takes more than a floppy fringe, pointy boots and a hunched guitar pose to create a decent sound. While nominally located adjacent to that loosely defined genre, there's something a lot more invigorating in Meebar's song construction and delivery than their contemporaries; part of it is the layered female harmonies, but a lot more of it is in the diversity of song construction, exhibited with a laissez-faire commitment that shines through in each song.
Help Me Out manages successfully to find fertile ground between sludgy guitar, cheap but effective licks, earnest vocals and lyrics that tell a story of emotional turmoil without descending into turgid territory. On Through the Night the music could be Mudhoney played by The Organ; lead vocalist Hope Collins' exasperated shriek toward the end of the tune is neither gratuitous nor out of place. Nine illustrates a softer edge, with a prevailing aural aesthetic that reminded me of a stripped back Whippersnappers with more attitude and less shiny pop. The mood and lyrics of Dashboard Decorations and Other Distractions are demonstrably melancholic, but are neither laborious nor trite. The vocals are almost haunting, dwelling only long enough to provide an acute contrast to a flourishing end that the Velvet Underground could have sanctioned. And just to change the tone slightly, Bomb the Bass sees falsetto vocals blending with a post new wave electronica guitar fuelled jam.
This is a CD with a gradual, and infectious, charm. It has a complexity and layering that warrants considered attention – and the more I listened, the more I found to explore and admire.
PATRICK EMERY
- Beat Magazine
Discography
Single- Road Movie
Ep- Nine Months Later (received airplay and is available through MGM Distribution)
Ep - Will this ever be again? (released through MGM distribution March 3rd)
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Meebar create a sound that blurs genre lines. This is evident in their influences that range from My Bloody Valentine to the Paris Combo, from Joni Mitchell to the Mars Volta. Honing these disparate musical tastes has allowed them to create punchy songs that are a mix of emotionally memorable melodies, jagged hooks and rocking beats.
Meebar released their debut EP “Nine months later” in December 2004 to a receptive audience. Now a little more than nine months later, after a year sprinkled with interstate touring, some great supports slots and sold out shows they are giving birth to a new thematic Ep titled “Will this ever be again?”.
It has the rock edge and hooks that have built them a solid reputation with the same haunting vocals that are a key element of their music, but it has a new urgency driving the music.
Recorded at Birdland with Lindsay Gravina and Rob Long “Will this ever be again?” explores the relationships you form when working together in a band.
Meebar will grace The Northcote Social Club on Friday 3rd of March to launch “Will this ever be again?”
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