The actual version, as posted on Wireless Bollinger.

EDIT: I just received an email saying that I got the position of a contributor with WB! Hopefully you’ll see my stuff up there soon.

The following is an honest review I wrote for Wireless Bollinger as a trial. However, they have yet to respond to it and let me know if it is worthy of being published. The LP is to be released in a couple of weeks, so perhaps this is to be in anticipation of it. Enjoy. - Josh

Often criticised in the past, this Melbourne duo have snubbed negative critics again with their new release. Satisfying the tastes of those in both the indie rock and dubstep scenes, Fabulous Diamonds II is a fascinating blend of organic Jamaican dub and psychedelic rock. Like their releases from the past, the tribal rhythms of Nisa Venerosa set the pace for often subtle variation on organ and numerous other instruments. This is the genius of fellow band member Jarrod Zlatic, creating a complex, layered sound from such a multitude of simplicities.  Similarly, the primitive vocals of Venerosa and occasionally Zlatic are often criticised as leaving much to be desired. However, it is this minimalist form which helps communicate their style and art to the listener, and this point has been carelessly overlooked in the past.

Present in the majority of Fabulous Diamonds’ recordings, the use of interacting delay, reverb and gating effects builds on the idea of simplicity of form meets complexity of sound. Mere alterations in period or range can have such profound effects on the next phrase, and often leaves the listener wondering just what will come next. The best example of this is probably heard in the last of the five untitled tracks, where small additions and adjustments to the organ’s hypnotising theme occur, often only obvious in retrospect.

With some similarity the opening track really tests the patience and attention of the listener, whether it is the much more substantial length of time which transpires before any obvious change, or the minute variation which occurs unbeknownst to the average ear.

Overall there are several fronts on which Fabulous Diamonds are challenging common preconceptions of music and performance. One is the false impression that music must follow a certain formula. Sure, they themselves have a structured approach to the music, but that is used only to strengthen this idea that change need not be in the verse-chorus-verse form, and perhaps a more linear approach should be taken. Instrumentation forms a huge part of how they convey their message, Zlatic’s fabulous sax and multiple keyboards intermingle with the often plain and harshly accented voice of his counterpart.

Whilst the cause is grand, the fact that a majority of an audience may miss this entirely does raise the question, can art music ever appeal to the mainstream listener? This is probably the greatest challenge facing Fabulous Diamonds and similar acts into the future.

Nearly three whole years after their debut album release, A Book Like This, this record lives up to, and extends far beyond all expectations. I have loved the singing and songwriting duo ever since I first heard Chocolates and Cigarettes back when they added me randomly on MySpace. This release is very much in keeping with the previous album, gentle sweeping melodies backing Julia’s touching voice in opening with Hold On, her brother’s voice not far behind on the next track.

Simplistic drum beats, catchy guitar riffs and calming piano melodies all make up the now signature sound of Angus & Julia Stone and this is well deserved - they do it so well.

Its not all sunshine and butterflies though, their lyrics delve into deep and dark subjects, often matched by a more somber tone in their voices.

The tracks on this record also tend to be longer, with most over five minutes, contrasting to the standard four minute tracks of the previous release. It is good to see artists such as Angus & Julia Stone to be not only giving their audience value for money which has been missing for so long due to the rise of the three-and-a-half-minute pop song, but also take the time to really work on the structure and sound of each track, and their part in constructing the record as a whole.

This is the first time I have honestly listened to the whole album I have reviewed, in order. Twice. That was especially a challenge since the official release isn’t until this Friday.

I love the album, possibly even more than their first (only time will tell), and demand that each and every one of you go out and buy it! It has been by far one of my favourite records to check out.

There’s not a lot I can say that hasn’t already been outlined by many reviewers online and in print. Yeasayer are an amazing outfit from NYC who do not fear challenging current musical styles, and often being at the forefront of new trends. This album is in what has been described as “psychadelic pop”, but includes many amazing electronic sounds and voices which really add to the record as a whole.

So far, I’m halfway through listening to the album and I have to say, its extremely catchy. Take a listen for yourselves!