Revolving Around Itself grabs you and takes you straight into the album; upright bass, a slightly distant vocal and a modernesque country hoe down follows which would get the most staid of people to start foot stomping! This could also be a song of our times with the confusion of it so omnipresent in our daily lives. Perhaps the world is ‘Revolvin around Itself’ and we are but bystanders?
Look Around is a very astute track with a message for our Parliamentarians and for ourselves; are we to allow ourselves to be drawn into the fear and angst as portrayed by the powers that be and ignore refugees from wars we have started? Jeff asks if it is better to remain asleep as the truth is too daunting, but finishes the track off with:
‘Ya look alive so now…..LOOK AROUND’
The vocals and backing carry the listener forward, demanding a response; this is a very active and involving protest song. Ignore it at your peril.
Slow Down appears to be a very personal song which not everyone will be able to relate to, but I am sure that the most astute amongst us will do so. ‘When I saw her with me and when she looked she found the real me…..’
Great lyrics and a resounding backing make this a stand-alone track, especially with its ‘false intro and outro’; it is a track full of insight and yet a degree of apprehension.
Jeff has brought an Australian approach to what could be an Americana/Roots type EP, but he has borrowed nothing and therefore owes nothing. This is the work of a man with not only insight and musical ability but, dare I say it, a mission too.
The guitars throughout are full of zest and the inclusion of mandolin, cello, fiddle and banjo add that certain extra element.
This is not an EP for everyone, but if you want something deeper and more meaningful than a lot of other 9 to 5 releases, this is the one for you.
Tony Bates
Uncut and Unsigned
Mountain District Radio 97.1 FM.
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