The Model School -Annandale Promo

Sat 30th Jul, 2005 in Music Reviews

One thing immediately hits me as I press play on The Model School’s promo EP: am I listening to the b-sides of Odelay? The stoner-slow rhythm, slack jawed vocals and snippits of record scratching, along with lazy guitar interludes, certainly sounds like the work of perpetually prolific Beck.

This is good for two reasons: I am a long time fan of Beck’s work, and The Model School pull Sweet Tooth off effortlessly. A confidence oozes from the recording that belies the fact it came on a burnt CD with a photocopied cover. I have to restrain myself from perpetually pressing repeat to hear those lilting keyboard parts, kooky samples and warbling psychedelic vocals again, rather than moving through the rest of the record.

When I’m finally satisfied with a few listens, I discover second track One Way Ticket is a charming pop rock number, made unique by Brendan Wixted’s deadpan vocal style. Subtle harmonies ingrain this tune into your memory, and delicate flashes of tambourine accentuate pretty keyboard melodies. There’s a hint of tinnyness in the recording, but somehow this adds to the intimacy.

There’s something appealingly mysterious about the “urban folk tale” Checkout reveals. The stage recording results in a focus on the guitar sound, and the rhythm section comes through sharp and clear. Checkout teeters on the edge of blues, hinting at an ancient authenticity beaten into shape through the ages. I’m not sure if this track is relatively new or recycled, but it sure sounds like classic material. You could almost imagine the story involving a dusty western front – if it wasn’t so obviously portraying a supermarket, that is.

Into My Arms Again continues the blues/alt-country vibe, but increases the tempo and instrumental intensity. Some great musicianship is on display here, and the band really seems to be on the same page chemistry-wise. Possibly not the highlight of the EP but likeable enough, Into My Arms Again shows impressive maturity and a note-perfect live performance. It’s to their credit that these live tracks are on the same par with the others not only in terms of recording quality, but in performance as well.

If ever there’s been a time to drag out the old “Don’t judge a book by its cover” advice, it’s now. What else can I say – it’s been a long time since I’ve been so hugely impressed by an elusive economy-packaged EP landing on my doorstep. Once again, my faith has been restored. Thank you, The Model School.