By Rosanna Beatrice Stevens
All Into’ya, All India
A Low High
Like My Friend the Chocolate Cake, All India Radio have persistently lingered about the Melbourne music scene, quietly achieving a group of resolute followers, as well as selection for background music in The Hills. All India Radio’s most recent album, ‘A Low High’, revisits the ambient and pensive moods established by the bands earlier releases.
To the virgin listener, ‘A Low High’ may sound a little cheesy. On a second listen however, the persistent audience is well rewarded with a wealth of relaxing repertoire, and a deep appreciation for the dedication it takes in order to sound spontaneous and meandering. The albums opening work, ‘Black Satin’, could easily be mistaken at times for an acoustic Massive Attack, imbued with gentle trumpet interludes and softly moaning electric guitar.
Featuring a jungle of instruments, the album experiences visits from African drums and acoustic guitar, sitar-like drones which phrase like a broad yawn brought on by an exotic heat, violins, humming, and the use of the symphonies we find in our backgardens. These contrasting and unique sounds keep the album’s tone casual and summer-evening appropriate, yet there are moments within ‘A Low High’ where haunting static and wavering echos turn the mood deeply pensive and lonely.
All India Radio’s greatest achievement on this album is their ability to maintain a casual ruminating mood brewing throughout each piece, despite every track holding distinct difference from the others. A particular favourite track on the album is ‘Intrigue’, with its unpatterned and bustling cymbals, gently wailing guitar, and resonant and sporadic base. ‘A Low High’ does an amazing job of melding the natural and industrial aural landscapes, using mechanical percussion against flowing acoustics or by placing a softer-sounding piece directly after a track filled with unnerving static.
‘A Low High’ is a great return to the lush atmospheric moods of All India Radio’s earlier work, guests include Graham Lee (The Triffids) and Australian rock legend Ed Kuepper (The Saints). If you haven’t gone All India yet, now’s the time to jump on board.
All India Radio will be playing as a part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival on Friday September 25th at Yah Yahs in Collingwood. For other All India Radio gigs and information visit their website.
To view the wonderful new film clip ‘Lucky’, animated by Darcy Prendergast (protege of Oscar winner Adam Elliot) click here.
Album cover artwork by Martin Kennedy. Photographs by Dean Jones.