Tim Nelson & the cub scouts

The genre of alternative-pop can throw up some extraordinary
music indeed.

Now out of Queensland comes Tim Nelson & The Cub Scouts. Nelson is a classically trained pianist and was once a boy-soprano and he uses these skills to great use in this six-piece with a difference.

To be honest it is Nelson’s amazing voice that sets this group apart from the many other
bands struggling to make it in Australia.

His voice hits you with force on opening track ‘Familiar Face’ – but it isn’t a rough
force, it’s a sweet melodic one that is a joy to listen to. Believe it or not his voice sounds even sweeter on the rockier ‘Say Something’.

The inclusion of some female vocals on ‘Pinocchio’ takes it into the realm of Sarah Blasko while ‘Don’t Cry Wolf’ sounds like a Ben Lee song being performed by an angel.

‘Clear Eyes’ once again sees Nelson take a rockier path… and this time he pulls it off with an extremely catchy track. ‘Giant Sleeps’ is like a sweet lullaby while the EP finishes off with the
smooth ‘Tahlia’s Song’.

A great little EP for those of you who like to try something different. Sweet and blissful this is for
those who love the music of Decoder Ring or george. - Mediasearch

The Cub Scouts knew exactly what they were doing when they pounced on Brisbane’s latest fresh-faced talent, Tim Nelson.

At 19 Nelson is leading his Cubs to, if I may, a roaring start with their debut EP. Their rainbow of soft, whispery tunes – a fluttering on the glockenspiel, a series of Nelson’s emotive keys throughout – make for a magical instrumental arrangement.

What gives them their edge is Nelson’s voice. It’s comfortable and raw, reminiscent of Iron & Wine in texture and honesty, but much stronger. By the third track, Pinocchio, I am positively hooked. Here the band leans towards the chilled-out themes Sufjan Stevens is famous for, but with a more controlled approach to melody.

All lyrics are crisp, clean and memorable, each song a sweet fable of its own. I say hats off to these guys – they’ve got me hitting the ‘loop’ button in iTunes.
TIFFANY BRIDGER - Rave Magazine

“It’s a real bummer when you see covers of your songs that are better than the original.” - Washington (Twitter)

If there’s one thing Tim Nelson has over his contemporaries in the burgeoning Aussie “nu-folk” scene, it’s his uncannily dexterous and feminine voice.

You see, Nelson was a boy soprano until age 17, and now at 19 has assembled a band of gentle players to bring life to the pop music in his imagination.

The sound of Nelson’s voice, of course, is what makes him unique and he wields this tool with skill and grace. Giant Sleeps is a beautiful pop song – a tangy, folky romp that clearly recalls clear influences The Middle East or Angus & Julia Stone, and there are moments of indie-tinged dreaminess that work on a subliminally nostalgic level.

Say Something almost sounds like the ghost of Duran Duran, and Pinocchio achieves its bittersweet layers of vocals with hushed, canon-like interaction between male and female vocalists. It’s a lovely mix, although this being an EP there aren’t enough songs to take us on a completely rounded musical journey; and sometimes the politeness of Nelson’s approach does get a little tedious.

But as for hooks and chops among the quiet indie set, Tim Nelson has all the right ingredients to make something bigger and better in due course.
- Alternative Media Group Of Australia

"After a full day of listening to new music, Tim Nelson was a real treat. Quirky, accessible and accomplished. Fans of good pop music and SONGS should take note".
Dan Zilber - Music Director - FBi 94.5 Radio

The new self-titled EP from Brisbane based Tim Nelson & the Cub Scouts is a wonderfully delicious collection of songs best served cold, with a side order of fries and a nice summers day at the beach.
Trying to label this group is an exercise in futility. Just when you think you have them pegged down, the next song starts and they switch genre. It’s this showcase of musical maturity and ability that set the Cub Scouts apart from their peers.

It's hard at first to get past Nelson’s incredible voice, but once you do, you discover a collection of songs woven over many layers into intricate, perfectly crafted four minute slices of brilliance. Nelson certainly leads from the front with a voice that has the ability to change to fit each new song perfectly. At 19, Nelson seems to have the world at his feet: a talented songwriter and singer, with the backing of a group of musicians who play off of his voice superbly.

There is something here for everyone, upbeat indie-pop songs, emotionally wrought angst inspired anthems, and my fave, “Familiar Face”.

If you only buy one album this year, it should probably be the classic Songs of a Scarecrow by Wurzel Gummage, but if your budget can stretch to two, then make sure you add this to your collection.

Review Score 9/10 - the AU review

“Tim deftly makes use of his uniquely pure and captivating voice to produce compelling and catchy tunes, which are further enriched by his band 'The Cub Scouts.'” - Triple J Radio