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Little Ice AgeLittle Ice Age Independent Little Ice Age, formed out of the ashes of The Sunroom, is an understated (and underrated) band beginning to do the rounds of the Adelaide support circuit. I was first amazed by the subtle indie quintet as the local support to Sarah Blasko on the relatively gargantuan stage at Fowler's Live. They are steadily gaining a reputation which is beginning to precede them; I am not the only one singing their many praises. Their eponymous debut EP, however, does not quite capture the magic that Little Ice Age has been known to provide. A band this subtle requires the gentle caress of atmosphere and the conscious mastery of dynamics to fully represent itself on record, perfected by the likes of Art Of Fighting, Gersey and Sodastream. Unfortunately, this recording is ever so slightly heavy-handed, a product no doubt of its environment: recorded digitally in the back room of drummer Tristan Hennig's house. As a result these great songs are presented without the lustre that could transform it from being a competent and promising release into something truly exciting. That's not to say it's not worthy: Vacancy For Peace has an amazing melodic structure, and Responsible matches affecting lyrics and instrumental ambience with utmost skill. Brothers Tim and Josh Versteegh harmonise as tightly as any fraternal pairing you could find (Josh's voice, tragically underused, always floors me), and Rebecca Burge's bass is as tight as it is melodically poignant. Although sometimes lost in the mix, Jamien Liston's piano never seems contrived or unnecessary and Hennig proves on Outer Control that he's as comfortable a frontman as a drummer. My advice? While you're waiting for more experience to make Little Ice Age's next release an absolute killer, go and see them play.  |
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