"Variously described as (i) a reclusive hunchback with a penchant for blue cheese and a horrible flatulence problem, (ii) a leading Soviet authority on ancient and early modern Russian political, economic and social history or (iii) a debilitating affliction of the neck (resulting from a childhood inattention to spelling), in actual fact, Gotye is just a young Australian fellow named Wally De Backer who makes music in his bedroom."
-www.gotye.com
Wally De Backer's solo musical wonder, Gotye (myspace), is...well, frankly so good I'm at a loss for words. Apparently, critics agree, as he was the recipient of 2007's best male artist ARIA (beaten out on other nominations by another amazing Australian 2007 release - Silverchair's "Young Modern"). If you are a fan of rich instrumentation, or simply enjoy catchy lyrics to sing along to, this man delivers with rich orchestration and a sound that gives shame to any of the genre's that it emerges from. I have yet to hear a track from Gotye's latest release "Like Drawing Blood" that wouldn't stand on it's own as a single. You're already here, watch the videos and listen for yourself. You WILL be missing out if you don't click "play" on all of the videos below...
Reviews:
- "The result is one of the most diverse and pleasing musical experiences you are likely to come across. It's not quite rock, it's not quite dance, it's not quite chill, it's not even blues - in fact, trying to define a genre for "Like Drawing Blood" is about as easy as pronouning the name Gotye itself. But it's so rich with sincerity and melody, genre seems almost irrelevant."
www.webwombat.com - "...Like Drawing Blood is an important album, not only for its music (which grooves and croons its way into your heart) but for the encouraging fact that it’s at least a contender, and that this fiercely singular Australian musician could really get somewhere based upon the strength of his music."
www.popmatters.com - "The other big standout-- "Heart's a Mess"-- sounds a lot like its animated video looks. In the video, long-legged machine-creatures stalk a ravaged mechanical countryside in the moonlight and ultimately float off into space. A simple but effective organ figure balances De Backer's softly delivered verses with an off-kilter counterpart, egging him on to the song's climax, where he rises to a full shout on the lines "It makes no sense/ But I'm desperate to connect." Judging by the sounds here, the connection isn't going to happen anytime soon, and he'll probably be wandering in the moonlight for quite a while."
www.pitchforkmedia.com
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A cross between Bjork and Peter Gabriel? The music seems to be expirimentalish like Bjork's, with Wally's vocals sounding similar to Peter Gabriel's?
ReplyDeleteI've been listening to it for the past hour or so... I'm hooked. Apparently we can buy the songs through iTunes, though I hear you about having the cd's. Go halves on shipping? =)
It's funny you commented on this today because I almost pulled the trigger today and ordered...but I've still got vacation bills rolling in. I'm going to wait until I get that all squared away. Although, I might check iTunes because of my trip to New York next week. I like having new music for trips...
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