CDs: · The P.K. 14 (We liked it and you will too!) · A.C.Newman · Brewster Brothers Trio · Charlotte Mudge · Crayon Fields · Fall Electric · Kottonmouth Kings · Leonard Cohen · Little Joy · Passenger · Secondhand Serenade · Seun Kuti · SoulDeep · Take Me On The Wildest Spree · Tracer Dance: · 40 Cal · Mr Scruff · Notorious OST · Susumu Yokota Metal: · Arch Enemy · Red Descending Live: · Brewster Brothers Trio · Cult Of Luna · Death Cab For Cutie · Fall Out Boy · Good Vibrations · Primal Scream · Streets Fall Electric Measure And Step Hidden Shoal Looking at the moody cover art and brooding band name, I expected Perth's Fall Electric to kick off their debut album with angsty whines and meaty guitars. It came as somewhat of a surprise then, to hear a gentle instrumental introduction led by acoustic guitar and cello. Emphasising the dislocation between cover art and sound is a dicey place to begin an analysis, however in this case it seems to be warranted; on their debut Fall Electric seem to be unable to settle on a particular sound, and the odd relationship between image and music is perhaps indicative of a deeper schism in musical direction. That's not to say that all songs must have the same sound for a great album, but on 'Measure And Step' the clash between styles throws the band's shortcomings into stark relief. Fall Electric's publicity information asserts that the band draw influence from hyphenated genre benders "neo-folk, indie-rock and avant-pop," and although this may be the case, on 'Measure', the band seems to jump back and forth between (very good) atmospheric avant-folk and (fairly boring) pedestrian indie-pop-rock. 'Measure's' best songs, such as Twine Of Wool and Segue, utilise the band's obtuse instrumental amalgam (acoustic and slide guitar, cello, synths and drums) along with layered vocals to create shimmering sound-scapes, reminiscent at times of Grizzly Bear. Conversely, on the more direct pop tracks (like Faithless Friend and 3AM), the same instrumentation leaves the band sounding weak and affected, nowhere more so than the twee schlock of Plastic Rabbits, which comes complete with token swear words for extra authenticity. Fall Electric's more obviously commercial tracks may be the result of an attempt to gain radio play, and given much of what circulates on our national broadcasters, it may succeed in doing so. However, these songs do nothing but detract from the album, especially when the band has the ability to create some of the most interesting and original Australian music to be released in a long while. Rory Kennett-Lister