PLUS ONE RECORDS Introduces America to Australian Musicians

Plus One Records, an Australian independent record label, has recently completed a compilation CD featuring eight of its most promising artists.

The album, The Australianacity of Hope - A Quick Guide to Indie Australia, will be distributed to radio stations nationally in the coming months with hopes of creating a presence for Plus One Records and its artists within the American music scene.

After listening to the album myself, I cannot help but be excited for this new addition to the music culture of America and am ready to spread the word to anyone who appreciates creative and talented musicianship.

One of the reasons this album was such a pleasure to listen to is because each song is strong and holds its own among the many admirable neighbors. Plus One Records did an excellent job displaying the unique and varied talent of its artists through this album, and in so doing, has proven itself to be worthy of esteem and attention. While I would love to divulge my thoughts on the music of each individual band, it would make for a rather lengthy and repetitive article since I thoroughly enjoyed each piece of music. Thus, I must edit myself by only speaking of a few.

One band included in the compilation album is The Blackwater Fever. For only having two members, the group delivers surprisingly rich performances on both featured songs. There is a fantastic blend of guitar and drums at the core of their music, where it is clear just how much the duo pulls inspiration from each otherīs talent. The compositions are intricate and the rhythms are engaging; all topped off by the perfect use of rough vocals that exude mystery and intrigue. The band is now touring Australia in support of their debut album Sweet Misery, which includes their two songs in this compilation album. With influences such as Radiohead, Pink Floyd and Blues Explosion, The Blackwater Feverīs debut CD melds an array of genres- from garage blues to alt-country to rock īn roll- and has already proven to be a major success around Australia.

Giants of Science are a vibrant psych-rock band with songs full of twists and turns. The multi-layered tracks they perform on Australianacity of Hope are full of rock grooves that rise and fall in intensity throughout the songs. While both tracks share gripping rhythms, captivating choruses and resonant vocal harmonies, they are still quite different from each other. The song "Here is the Punishment" is sharp and hard-hitting in tone and "Mouth Shut Tight" has more of a flowing rhythm. This diversity in tone paired with consistency in performance is commendable in a rock band and makes for a fascinating journey.

Another band on Plus One Recordsī compilation is Black Mustang, and it is important to note that their music is nothing short of brilliant. The energy of the band explodes into their music and will overflow onto any listener like a spreading infection (the good kind). Black Mustangīs wild guitar riffs and fierce rock rhythms produce a powerful attitude. Their flare is enhanced even more so by the strong and sturdy vocals. Some of the artists responsible for inspiring this bandīs perfectly rambunctious sound include Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Kinks and The White Stripes. Yes, Black Mustang has been well influenced, but what is most impressive is that they have created a completely unique sound by combining their young spirit and their musical talent.

In general, most of the songs on this compilation have a hardcore, vibrating sound to them. In contrast, the two tracks performed by Texas Tea are more delicate in nature. This two member alt-country band has an impressive hold on the multiple instruments that they play, which include the guitar, bass, hi-hat tambourine, lap steel, dobro guitar, and kick drum. The duo has produced heartfelt songs that open the doors for intimacy and reflection between them and their audience. Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan and Neil Young are only a few of the artists that have shaped Texas Teaīs musical style. However, it is the reshaping and personalizing of those influences that have lead to Texas Tea finding their niche and allowing their musical abilities to shine.

The other four bands on this album include The Gin Club, Intercooler, Mary Trembles and The Smokestack Orchestra. The Gin Club is known for mixing every genre under the sun and being able to take an audience on a ride they will never forget. The band did not disappoint with their two outstanding tracks. The pop-rock band Intercooler displays solid instrumentation while Mary Trembles exhibits a knack for pulling the listener into their dynamic music. The Smokestack Orchestraīs powerful rock īn roll sound and notable musical performances fully complete the tone of the compilation CD.

Plus One Recordsī compilation album The Australianacity of Hope - A Quick Guide to Indie Australia will be on US airwaves starting this Spring. So keep your ears open for these new bands as they gain speed through America, showing the States what Oz is really made of.