Shaun Gardener

21-20

An Audible Manifestation of anAbstract Concept

21-20 have been vivid participants of Melbourne's live'cover band' circuit for the past 15 years now, and although the project has primarily focused conceptually on the'covers'thing, three original CDs have been released to date. The first under the banner of'Kings Call', the second'Sugar Stone', with this third utilizing 21-20's 'working name' in order to capture the well established market within their live performances. 'An Audible Manifestation of an Abstract Concept' features 21-20's main songwriting corpus of Shaun Gardener and Andrew Groves, and the album was recorded at Brunswick's 21-20 Studios by the magnificent duo, to be later mixed by Brett Taylor at Flesh & Spirit Studios.

One of the principal idiosyncrasies of this album is that the musical threads do not become audibly static from track to track. The overture'Manic'is direct with no surprise punches and certainly lives up its name as an energy-packed sandwich of 90s over a grungy guitar soundscape. Some additional production effects provide an overall interesting experience. 'Ketchup'changes the pace a little, and is a representation of Shaun's ability to adapt his voice to a variety of genres, with 'Shine' acting as a stylistic middle ground, almost serving as a tribute to the 'David Lee Roth' period of the 'Van Halen' tradition. 'Not Knowing' has more of a funk rock groove and introduces Andrew Groves on saxophone with some .Cool' licks. As far back as the musical innovations of the early 80s, Shaun Gardener's always been a considerable energizing force of Melbourne's 'original band' scene, and with this in mind you can only but wish him all the best with this latest venture.

ADRIAN PERTOUT - Australian Musician