J Walker rolls a lucky SevenSeven

Sun 23rd Sep, 2007 in Local News

It’s been over three years since J Walker’s last album Venus Traps Fly and in that time he has experienced much change. This becomes apparent with song titles here like… – œI’m Changed’. So what’s been happening? Mr. Walker has moved his studio and home to regional Victoria, a small ex-coalmining town about 20 minutes from Wonthaggi, where he is building a permanent recording facility and working on his surfing and construction skills.

While Machine Translations were on hiatus during these upheavals, J Walker was busy in his recording studio, producing records from artists like CW Stoneking, Sophie Koh, Andrew Morris and the Bank Holidays. J has also been making soundtracks for TV (including the award-winning SBS drama Stranded and ABC documentaries such as Girl In a Mirror and the Artists At Work series).

Most recently, J Walker has been based in Byron Bay working as the composer for East Of Everything, the new series from the writers of Sea Change. Fans of the Machine Translations album Happy will be delighted to hear that the track – œA Most Peculiar Place’ is going to be used as the theme song for the series, kicking off in March 2008.

Seven Seven was recorded at The General Store in the green hills of South Gippsland, Victoria between 2005 and 2007, includes the singles – œNeed A Miracle’ and – œYou’ll Change’. It’s one stellar record and mixes the best elements of past albums like Abstract Poverty and Bad Shapes while adding a new emotional edge. Compared with previous records, Seven Seven takes a stripped-down path to the top of the mountain. Lyrically, J Walker chooses a more direct approach here that compliments the more streamlined arrangements. Make no mistake though – classic Machine Translations sounds abound on Seven Seven woven intricately with new, fresh sonic textures and directions aplenty, all fitted together onto a pleasingly open screen.

Showcasing many moods, highlights include – œOh Ma The Sea is Rising’ a gorgeous, apocalyptic lullaby that builds with layers of submerged harmony, one of the centrepieces for the album. – œLove Won’t Wait’ is a quiet inspiration. – œYou’ll Change’ is an uptempo sunshine pop that is all smiles, and was co-written with Tall Dwarfs legend Chris Knox on a beach in New Zealand. Mr Knox also contributes bass and vocals. Other guests on the album include Sophie Koh, J’s partner Karen Tua, Heligoland’s Bek Varcoe and Karen Vogt, and budding young prodigies Valda and Marley Walker.

Machine Translations have enjoyed a fruitful musical career now for ten years. The title Seven Seven may even refer to the fact that it is, indeed, Machine Translations seventh record. Live shows will also be announced in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

Seven Seven hits the streets on October 20 through Spunk Records / EMI.